A gum lift, also known as gingival recontouring or gum reshaping, is a dental procedure used to change the shape and position of your gums. It is typically done for aesthetic purposes as it can help improve the appearance of your smile. This procedure may be recommended if you have an uneven gum line due to excessive gum tissue or if your teeth appear too short because of receding gums.
Gum contouring is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue around the teeth to create a more even, aesthetically pleasing gum line. During this process, your periodontist will carefully remove any excess tissue while preserving the natural structure and curvature of your gums.
The ideal gum contouring candidate is someone who has healthy gums and teeth, but whose gums appear disproportionate to their teeth. Gum contouring can be used to reduce the overall length of the gum or reshape it into a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is also beneficial for patients with overly prominent gums due to overgrowth caused by periodontal disease or genetics. This procedure can even out the gum line and create a more balanced, symmetrical look to the smile.
Patients who are considering gum contouring should meet with their periodontist to discuss their treatment options and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
Uneven gums can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, excessive brushing or flossing, periodontal disease, or even trauma. Genetics are the most common cause of uneven gums; some people have naturally thicker or thinner gum tissue than others, resulting in an uneven smile. Excessive brushing and flossing can also cause the gums to recede, as this action can irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation.
Periodontal disease is another common cause of uneven gums. This condition occurs when bacteria accumulate in the mouth and form plaque along the gum line. As infection sets in, it can cause swelling, redness, and the gums to recede, resulting in an uneven appearance.
Finally, trauma or injury can cause gums to become misshapen. This is often seen in cases of physical sports injuries or accidents involving the face.
No matter what causes your uneven gums, it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified periodontist in order to resolve the issue and restore a healthy, attractive smile. By identifying the source of your uneven gums, your periodontist can design a customized treatment plan to restore your gum line and achieve optimal oral health. With proper care and maintenance, you can look forward to a beautiful and symmetrical smile for years to come!
During the procedure, your periodontist will make small incisions in the gums and then carefully remove any excess tissue or bone if necessary. The remaining soft tissue is then trimmed and re-contoured to create a symmetrical gum line. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures for minimal scarring and faster healing time. Gum lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia.
Gum contouring or gum lift using lasers is a minimally invasive, precise alternative to traditional gum lift surgery. During this procedure, your periodontist will use a specialized laser to gently remove excess tissue. The laser helps to minimize bleeding and reduce recovery time, while also providing increased accuracy and precision in reshaping the gum line. The treatment typically does not require any sutures and healing time is minimized due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels.
Laser gum lifting is minimally invasive, precise, and requires very little recovery time when compared to traditional surgical techniques. This procedure also reduces bleeding and inflammation while helping to minimize scarring.
The laser technology allows for increased accuracy and precision in reshaping the gums, resulting in a more natural-looking, even gum line. In addition, patients often experience little to no discomfort after the treatment and can expect a faster healing time compared to other methods of gum contouring.
Finally, with proper care and maintenance, the results of laser gum lift surgery can be long-lasting and provide you with a beautiful smile for many years to come!
After the gum lift procedure, the gums will be slightly swollen and tender for few days. You may experience some discomfort during this time, so it is important to take any pain medication prescribed by your periodontist as directed.
During this time, you should also avoid vigorous activity or exercise in order to allow your gums to heal properly. It is also important to keep the gums clean, as plaque and bacteria can accumulate easily in the area. Your periodontist will provide instructions on how to properly care for your gums during recovery.
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the next day after their gum lift procedure. However, full recovery time can take up to two weeks. During this time, your periodontist will closely monitor your gum healing process and make any adjustments as necessary.
Once the gums have fully healed, you can enjoy a beautiful, symmetrical smile for years to come!