Most dental patients know that cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry procedures improve your teeth. There are treatments to reshape teeth, straighten teeth, correct damaged teeth, whiten teeth, and replace missing teeth. But what about your gums? Do you understand how much gum shape adds or detracts from the appearance of your smile?
The shape and size of your gumline can make your teeth appear too large too small or otherwise out of proportion. Gum contouring can repair gums that appear too low or too high about the teeth and customize them for the perfect smile.
People who are unhappy with their gums might want to consider gum contouring. Many dentists and periodontists offer gum contouring surgery.
This procedure is also called gingival sculpting, gingival contouring, or gum graft surgery, but don’t let the term surgery frighten you. It is performed with a precision laser and is minimally invasive. The procedure usually involves little pain and requires no recovery time.
Gum reshaping is not always done for purely cosmetic reasons, it is also used to treat gum recession, a common condition that can lead to decay and tooth loss. In gum graft surgery, soft tissue is frequently taken either from the roof of the mouth, the area surrounding the site of the grafting, or a tissue bank. Gingival grafts used to cover exposed tooth roots can protect against continued gum recession and alleviate tooth sensitivity. Of course, gum grafts often increase the attractiveness of the smile in the process.
If you are seeking more specifics about gum contouring, schedule a consultation.
