Attaining an ever so beautiful smile is vitally important not just for aesthetic purposes, but also on a very personal level, helping raise self-esteem and improve confidence. Some unlucky few, however, are born with uneven gums that rest too low or too high on the teeth, causing them difficulty to develop enough confidence to bravely shine those pearly whites as they otherwise could. Cosmetic gum surgery changes that.
Luckily, for those unhappy with the look and feel of their smile, there are various procedures such as cosmetic gum reshaping and contouring that can be performed for therapeutic and medical purposes to balance out an uneven gum line. Make that “gummy” smile a thing of the past by benefiting from modern dental technology that can easily transform your smile into something you can be proud of.
What Causes a “Gummy” Smile
There are a number of factors that contribute to gums being too high or too low. Genetics, particular health problems, or taking certain prescription drugs can all lead to teeth that appear smaller than they should, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Typically, high gums, which allow for longer looking teeth, can be caused by gum recession, a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth’s root. Not only can it let teeth look long, but it can also lead to other serious dental problems such as decay, tooth loss, and early signs of periodontal disease.
How It Works
Gum surgery or gum sculpting is usually performed within the offices of most qualified dentists and periodontists. Patients receive a mild local anesthetic to numb the gums, and various scalpels, lasers, and radiosurgery techniques are used to trim away the excess gum tissue. Be sure to ask your dentist about which option would be most suitable for your situation. On some occasions, bone at the front of the tooth’s root may also be removed during gum contouring to get the best long-term results.
Risks and Benefits
Despite the risks for complications during or after laser gum contouring is low, there are still some problems that could potentially occur. Excessive bleeding and swelling of the gums or allergic reactions to anesthesia are possible risks of treatment. There is also possible relapse of gum tissue.
It is important to remember that as with any cosmetic procedure, end results of cosmetic gum surgery depend solely on the skill of the doctor. Do choose just anyone, but instead, do enough homework to confirm that you find comfort in your dentist’s abilities.
Aftercare
It may take a few days or weeks to heal completely after surgery, so be sure to rest and limit activities to a minimum. Dentists can offer specific directions about what needs to be done to aid in the recovery process.
Some general tips to remember include: over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil (do not take aspirin, as it causes bleeding), avoiding spicy foods and things with seeds, taking in softer, colder foods like eggs, pasta, yogurt, or soft vegetables, and following precise dental instructions on when and how to brush your teeth during the healing process. Call your dentist right away if there seems to be excessive swelling or bleeding.
Let Us Help
Whether you’re having trouble finding a suitable dental physician, have more questions about cosmetic gum surgery, or just want to perform the procedure alone or in combination with another dental procedure, gum contouring by Dr. David S. Kao’s office can provide you with that gorgeous, memorable smile you desire. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and to find out how gum contouring can boost both your smile and your self-esteem.
