Gum contouring refers to the practice of correcting receding or overgrown gums in order to help a patient achieve a more pleasing smile, and in the case of receding gums, to help prevent different kinds of gum disease from occurring. Gum contouring is a very safe and effective surgical procedure that can have a big impact on your appearance and oral health.
Here at Love Brushing Dentistry in Houston, TX, we have years of experience performing gum contouring procedures both to restore and to reduce the gum line. Give us a call at 713-659-0841 to find out if gum shaping is right for you!
Types of Gum Contouring
There are two main types of gum contouring. The first type uses a scalpel or laser to cut away excess gum tissue in order to expose more of the surface of the teeth. This type of contouring is generally considered purely cosmetic, and is used when a person is unhappy with the appearance of their smile. The second type uses gum grafting in order to restore gum tissue that has significantly receded. Receding gums are a problem for many people, especially those middle aged or older, and can lead to a host of oral health problems, including sensitivity to food and drink, and even tooth decay.
Gum Contouring to Fix a “Gummy Smile”
A “gummy smile” happens when the gums extend so far over the teeth that gum tissue is visible when smiling, and causes the teeth to look unnaturally small. Many people with this condition don’t like how their smile looks, so they may be self-conscious when smiling or even try to avoid smiling altogether, especially in photos.
Benefits of fixing a gummy smile include:
- Increased self-confidence
- A more symmetrical gum line
- A smile that enhances, rather than distracts from, your appearance
Our dentists are able to perform a gum contouring procedure that returns the gum tissue to its natural place, exposing just enough of the teeth that the smile looks beautiful without any excess gum tissue intruding. This procedure can also reshape the gum line, allowing for gums that are more even and aesthetically pleasing.
Gum Grafting for Receding Gums
Receding gums are a c
ommon problem with a variety of causes. Along with aesthetic issues, gums that have receded too far up the teeth can cause problems such as extreme sensitivity and tooth decay that may eventually lead to tooth loss. The gums protect the roots of the teeth, and when they start to recede, this protection becomes less effective.
Causes of receding gums can include:
- Gum disease
- Overly vigorous or improper teeth brushing
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poorly fitted dentures
If you notice that your gums are starting to recede, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist for an assessment before the problem becomes worse and starts leading to other issues with your oral health. We perform gum grafts that can help your gum tissue become thicker and healthier.
How to Treat Gum Recession
A gum contouring procedure called a gum graft is the best treatment for gum recession. During a gum graft, tissue is harvested from the roof of your mouth and grafted onto your existing gums in order to cover the roots of your teeth completely. Gum grafting is a relatively common procedure that helps to protect the roots of the teeth and prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. It also helps with tooth sensitivity, and it improves the appearance of the gums.
A gum graft is a surgical procedure, so you should discuss it carefully with your dentist before proceeding. Make sure that you’ll have time to recover, and follow all of your dentist’s post-care instructions. While gum contouring for receding gums isn’t to be taken lightly, it is a worthwhile procedure that most patients are happy they had.
Schedule Your Gum Contouring Consultation Today
If your gums are too high or too low on your teeth, gum contouring may be the right choice for you. Contact Love Brushing Dentistry in Houston today at 713-659-0841 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khavari and feel good about your smile and oral health again.