Marin County Gum contouring is a safe and effective procedure performed to correct uneven gums or for patients whose gums are too high or too low. By removing targeted amounts of gum tissue, the desired ratio can be achieved and patients can have renewed confidence in their smile again.
Gums that have begun to recede increase an individual’s risk of developing periodontal disease, which eventually results in the pockets of the gum deepening, which in turn causes greater decay and eventually the loss of teeth. Gums that are too high can also result in teeth appearing to be longer than they are, which creates an imbalanced look that can make some people feel self-conscious.
Patients who have excessive gingival display are said to have a gummy smile, resulting in teeth appearing to be smaller than they are. There are several underlying reasons why a person may have a gummy smile, including delayed passive eruption, maxillary anterior teeth over-eruption, excessive maxilla bone growth, lip elevator muscle hyperfunction, or simply genetic predisposition. Certain blood pressure medications can also cause patients to develop a gummy smile. Although gum contouring is an effective method for correcting a gummy smile or uneven gum line, it will also be important to identify the underlying issue as part of the treatment plan.
Periodontal Gum Contouring
Though most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, gum contouring can also be done as part of a broader periodontal treatment. The most common procedures that are performed along with gum contouring include regenerative procedures, pocket reduction, and/or crown lengthening. Adding gum tissue to areas of recession and trimming tissue that is covering part of the crow are also examples of non-cosmetic gum contouring.
Steps Involved in the Gum Contouring Procedure
The procedure will be performed in the office and typically only requires one visit. Prior to performing the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Your dentist will also explain what steps will be involved and answer any questions you might have. Next, they will draw a line to mark the new gum line so you can see how the gum line will be reshaped and how much gum will be removed.
Once these steps are complete, the gum tissue is removed using a scalpel, laser, or combination of both. Once enough tissue has been removed and the desired gum line is achieved, a final analysis will be made and the procedure will be complete.
Recovery Process
Although the gum contouring procedure is relatively painless, you will need to make slight daily modifications for the first 7-10 days following your procedure. Leading up to your appointment, try to rest as much as possible and limit physical activity. Doing so will help ensure you are in a calm state of mind while the procedure is being performed, which will make it easier for your dentist or periodontist to perform the gum contouring in a safe and efficient manner.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled after your appointment to evaluate the health of your gums and ensure complications have not developed. If you have followed these aftercare instructions and are still experiencing side effects such as bleeding or severe pain, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to address any complications that may have developed.
More Information on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring
High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust
When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our services.
At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for All-on-4 Dental Implants is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.