What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping Portland, ME
People who are embarrassed about their smile may want to consider gum contouring to improve the symmetry and balance of their smile. The term is synonymous with gum reshaping, and the terms can be used interchangeably. Gum contouring, or reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that evens out the gum line and may also offer medical benefits.
Gum reshaping is available at Inspire Dental of Maine in Portland and the surrounding area. People who are looking for a simple and effective way of improving their smile may want to consider gum contouring. We can discuss the procedure and help determine if it is a good choice. Call us at (207) 221-5578 to schedule an appointment.
Reasons For Gum Reshaping
Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist's office. However, for some people, gum tissue can be a real concern. It may be uneven, which causes the smile to look asymmetrical.
The gum tissue may be too high, which makes the teeth look longer than normal. The tissue may also be too low, which makes the teeth look small. According to the National Library of Medicine, the latter effect is known as a gummy smile, and it occurs when the gum line drops 4 mm or more.
“Most people probably do not think about their gums often except when they floss or are at the dentist’s office.”
Benefits of a Gum Contouring Procedure
Gum contouring offers both medical and cosmetic benefits. In general, reshaping the gum line improves one's smile and helps prevent future dental issues. The specific benefits associated with this procedure include:
- Evens the gum line: When the gum line is uneven, it can actually cause the teeth to look crooked. If the teeth do not look straight but the dentist says braces are not needed, contouring may be the answer. It can balance and even up the smile.
- Reduces the gum line: When there is extra gum tissue, it can result in a gummy smile. It can also dull the color of the teeth. When this excess tissue is removed, one of the results is whiter-looking teeth, which greatly brightens the smile.
- Fights tooth decay: One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is that it helps fight decay in the mouth. Excess gum tissue can trap food, which makes it harder to clean. This results in bacteria leading to tooth decay.
“One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is it helps fight decay in the mouth.”
The Procedure
The process of gum contouring typically takes only one office visit. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, which makes the procedure virtually painless. Two methods, a scalpel or laser, may be used to remove excess tissue and reshape the line of the gums. In many situations, the dentist will also remove a small bone piece at the root of each tooth.
Both the scalpel and laser methods are relatively quick, although the laser is a bit faster. Using a laser also seals the wound during the procedure, which makes for quick healing, minimal bleeding, and no stitches. The surgery also has permanent results because the gum tissue will not grow back.
“The process of gum contouring typically takes only one office visit.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping in Portland, ME
Recovery and Aftercare
There is a recovery process associated with the reshaping of the gum line. On the day of the surgery, someone should drive the patient to and from the appointment since some type of anesthesia will be used. The patient should also rest the entire day to help with the healing process.
Patients should expect to feel a little soreness, and there may be some swelling around the gums. Discomfort and swelling can be managed with common over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol®, Advil®, and Motrin®. Patients should avoid aspirin, however, as this can increase the bleeding.
Patients need to be mindful of what they eat in the days following the procedure. Foods to avoid are those that are crunchy, spicy, difficult to chew, or have nuts or seeds. Patients should stick to soft foods that are cool, as heat can result in bleeding and other complications. Some examples of recommended foods include:
- Applesauce
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Soft vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Pudding
Proper oral care is essential to reduce any risks. The dentist will give specific instructions about brushing. Extra care should be taken until full recovery, which may take a week or longer.
“The patient should also rest the entire day to help with the healing process.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why would someone get gum reshaping?
Q. What are the benefits of getting a gum contouring procedure?
Q. What happens during the procedure?
Q. How should the patient take care of their mouth after?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the symptoms of gum recession?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes gum issues?
A. Gum issues are generally genetic, although there can be other causes. If the gum tissue hangs down and covers large areas of the teeth, this may be due to certain prescription drugs or health issues. If gums are too high, this may be due to gum recession, which is one of the signs of periodontal disease.
Q. Is there any discomfort with gum contouring?
A. Most patients do not notice any discomfort during the process due to the use of anesthesia. After the procedure, there may be some discomfort due to the swelling and tenderness of the area. This can be managed with ice packs or pain relievers.
Q. Is gum reshaping performed on all teeth?
A. Reshaping the gums is customizable for each patient. For some, contouring will be done on a whole row of teeth. For others, only one tooth may need the procedure. The dentist will sit down with you and design a plan that meets your needs, goals, and budget.
Q. Does insurance cover gum reshaping?
A. The cost of the procedure varies depending on several factors. Each insurance plan is different, and not all dental procedures are covered. Patients should talk with their insurance provider to get a better idea of coverage.
Q. Are there any risks associated with gum contouring?
A. All operations involve some risk, but the risks associated with gum reshaping are small. According to WebMD, there is the possibility that the patient will have an allergic reaction to the local anesthesia. There is also a slim chance the gum tissues will relapse.
Scan here to view this page, What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping, on mobile
Gum Disease Terminology
Learn More About Gum Contouring
If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for gum reshaping, we can help. We will evaluate your gums and teeth, discuss your personal goals, and go over the most effective options. For additional questions about gum contouring, give our office a call at 207-221-5578.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Inspire Dental of Maine was established in 2014.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cumberland County, and York County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Scarborough, Cumberland, Freeport, and Saco
- ME (License #4321). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1215360110). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Inspire Dental of Maine on mobile
Back to top of What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping
Related Posts
What To Expect After A Deep Dental Cleaning
A dental deep cleaning is often necessary when individuals neglect their oral cavity, thus resulting in poor health. Once the point has been reached where a dental deep cleaning is necessary, individuals will need to take extra care of their gums afterward. Doing so will ensure that the results of the cleaning last.A dental deep…
A Guide To Getting A Full Mouth Reconstruction
Having a full mouth reconstruction is an important procedure to renew your smile and get your oral health back on track. These procedures can be invasive and involved, so it is normal to feel some nervousness. If you are worried about what will take place, it is helpful to learn as much about this process…
Comparing Implant Supported Dentures With Traditional Dentures
Most of us know that dentures are an option if we lose our teeth, but there is also a more permanent solution called implant supported dentures. If you’re not familiar with this type of denture, that’s ok. Recent advancements in dental technology have led to where patients can receive implants combined with other dental applications…
Tooth Extraction For Wisdom Teeth
Understanding that tooth extraction is the last option for removing one or more permanent teeth is important. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime and thus need to be saved whenever possible. In addition, wisdom teeth often require extraction to support a healthy mouth.The only way to know if a tooth extraction is necessary is…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Inspire Dental of Maine on mobile