What is Gum Contouring and How Does it Work?

Gum lines vary from person to person. Some are incredibly high, while others are low.

Despite comprising such a small part of our smile, gum lines can be a major contributor to insecurity. Luckily, there are options for changing your gum line. 

One of the top alternatives for reshaping your gums is called gum contouring (also known as gum reshaping, gingival sculpting, and gingivoplasty). In certain situations, your dentist may even recommend it, particularly if you have gum problems that are affecting your dental health. But, exactly, what does it entail? 

This article will explain what gum contouring is, along with how and when it is performed.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure that smooths out an uneven gum line, which is common in people with receding gums or "long" teeth. A dentist can use cosmetic gum surgery to remove excess tissue that causes a "gummy" grin or repair the tissue that has receded and overexposed your teeth. Traditionally, gum contouring is a cosmetic technique that improves your smile's appearance. However, gum contouring can also help you avoid periodontal disease.

Who is Gum Contouring For?

Gum contouring is frequently performed for aesthetic reasons. However, there are circumstances when it is medically necessary to have your gums contoured, and may be a therapeutic option if you have periodontal disease. However, your dentist will initially consider nonsurgical treatment methods for gum disease. Antibiotics may be prescribed to destroy bacteria and infection, and dental cleanings to restore gum health.

If these measures fail, your dentist may recommend pocket reduction surgery on the gums and surrounding bone to save the tooth. It's also possible that you'll require surgery to repair damaged bone and gum tissue. These operations may include gum contouring, in which your dental insurance may pay all or part of the expense if judged a medical necessity. Contact your dental insurance carrier to find out what's covered and whether there are any out-of-pocket costs.

Benefits of Gum Contouring

In addition to causing insecurities, having too much gum tissue can be indicative of a health issue. Excess tissue can retain food particles that are difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing, speeding up the tooth decay process. Patients with this illness frequently experience gum inflammation and are more likely to develop periodontal disease or gingivitis.

A dentist may propose laser gum contouring before crown lengthening, pocket reduction, or another surgery due to these causes. In the long run, gum reduction reduces the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease, improves the preservation of existing teeth, and helps your teeth stay healthy for longer.

How Does Gum Contouring Work?

There are various factors that might cause gums that are too low or too high. An overly “gummy” smile might be due to genetic disposition, a specific health issue, or the use of certain prescription medicines. If your gums significantly overlap your teeth, it can give them the appearance of being too small. In this case, you would need to inquire about gum reduction surgery.

Conversely, gum recession (where the gum pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth's root) is a common cause of overly high gums that make your teeth seem long. Gum recession may cause major dental problems such as decay and tooth loss, in addition to making your teeth appear longer. Gum recession can also indicate periodontal disease, characterized by the degradation of the tooth's supporting components (gums and bone).

To handle many of these issues, your dentist may recommend laser gum removal. However, gum contouring can be performed using scalpels, lasers, and radiosurgery by dentists. Inquire with your dentist about which approach is best for your condition and they will discuss every step of the operation with you before the surgery. To indicate the new gum line, dentists frequently draw a line so you can visualize it. You'll see precisely how much they will remove gum and how they will alter the gum line in this manner.

To get the greatest long-term outcomes, bone near the front of the tooth's root may also need to be removed during gum contouring.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gum Contouring

Naturally, you’ll have questions about this procedure. Here are a few of the most common questions we receive. 

Who Performs Gum Contouring?

Gum reduction surgery can be performed by various dentists, including general dentists and periodontists (gum specialists). Before getting the operation done, inquire about your dentist's knowledge and experience with the procedure, and ask to see some gum contouring before and after pictures.

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

The scope of the procedure determines the gum lift cost. It's worth noting that dental insurance usually does not cover gum contouring for aesthetic reasons. To get an accurate estimate on the cost of gum contouring, consult your dentist about your specific requirements.

How Can I Tell if I Need Gum Contouring?

This is typically a personal decision depending on how you feel about your gums. It's best to speak with your dentist to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for gum contouring.

Create a Smile You'll Love

Having healthy gums is only one part of having a beautiful smile. However, if you want to ensure that you have a smile that will last a lifetime, contact Gentry Dentistry. We can help you determine whether gum contouring is suitable for you. For the best cosmetic dentistry in SF, give us a call or book an appointment online today!