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Gum Recontouring (Gingival Reshaping)
A "gummy" smile can make teeth look short and unattractive. With the ease and comfort of an ordinary blade or a laser, gums can be reshaped to reveal a more appealing smile. With new technology, not only can our cosmetic dentist quickly sculpt excessive or uneven gums, we also immediately seal the gum tissues, helping our patients heal faster and more comfortably. This cosmetic dental procedure can be completed in a single appointment in our clinic.
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring, also known as gingival reshaping or sculpting, is the process of reshaping the gingival tissue around the teeth. It is considered as a cosmetic dental procedure which can reinvent your smile and enhance your oral health. It typically involves a minimally invasive laser procedure to get rid of uneven or excessive gum tissues. In some cases, however, soft tissue reshaping may require additional bone recontouring that would be difficult to accomplish with laser alone. The end result would be healthy and natural-looking gums for a vibrant and attractive smile that can totally boost your confidence and appeal.
How is the procedure done?
Gum recontouring is a very safe and likewise comfortable procedure. After a brief checkup and evaluation of your oral condition, your cosmetic dentist will first numb the gums with anesthetic. Then, with a laser light (or ordinary blade, depending on what is required), he or she will gently reshape your gum line, by artistically sculpting excessive and uneven tissue. In most cases, our cosmetic dental specialist utilizes a diode laser to sculpt your gum to make them beautiful. Like most types of lasers, this intense beam of light cuts the tissue quickly with precision. And because the laser is only set at the appropriate setting, it won’t even affect the tooth structure surrounding and underneath your gums.
What to expect after the procedure?
Following a Gum Recontouring procedure, the gums may be tender and swollen for up to one week. To reduce these minor symptoms, you can simply rinse and gently gargle with salt water. You may also take ibuprofen or otc pain relievers for any discomfort.
Are there any complications?
Complications associated with gum recontouring or gingival reshaping are very rare, the most being that the patient will experience minor tenderness on the gums.
Am I a candidate?
If you have a "gummy" smile that makes your teeth look short and unattractive, or if you reveal too much of your gum tissue when you smile, then you are a candidate for gum recontouring procedure.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- A temporary dressing at the surgical area must be set for up to 3 hours. Chewing on the surgical site should be avoided during this period.
- If you experiencing some pain or discomfort, you may take a pain medication (such as Tylenol, Paracetamol, etc.) every 4-6 hours. If antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs have been prescribed, please follow your dentist's instructions strictly.
- If the swelling occurs on the day after the surgery, use a cold/ice pack to relieve the symptom by pressing the cold or ice pack on the swollen cheek every 5 minutes, on and off.
- Brush your teeth normally except on the surgical area.You may be gently clean the area with wet cotton for the meantime.
- If serious problems such as severe pain, severe swelling, or excessive bleeding arises, please come back to see a dentist as soon as possible. If there is no concerning symptom, please come back on the settled appointment date for a complete follow-up and for the sutures (if any) to be taken off.
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