Do Your Gums Need Contouring?

With cosmetic dentistry, we often brighten discolored teeth or even repair minor damage. We also offer a clear method of correcting misalignment. But what if the issue isn’t related to your teeth at all, but to your gums instead? In these situations, we offer our Gary, IN, patients gum contouring, which addresses the issue with advanced laser technology in one visit.

Gummy Smiles

A “gummy smile” refers to a mouth that display too much gingival tissue when smiling. Since our gums essentially frame the appearance of our smiles, this could mean the teeth appear small or uneven, or that you simply show off too much gum tissue when you smile. For some, these embarrassing issues could cause loss of confidence. They may even go out of their way to avoid smiling or appearing in pictures! However, instead of spending your time being ashamed of your smile, talk to your dentist about a possible cosmetic solution.

The Contouring Process

We begin with a consultation, so we can discuss your smile goals and see if this is the right treatment for you. If so, we will mark the areas that require removal and create an image of what your smile could look like. Next, we move forward with the procedure.

After administering dental sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation, you will enter a calm and relaxed state. The dentist will use a specially-calibrated soft-tissue laser to begin removing the excess tissue and reshaping the gum line. The use of dental lasers instead of scalpels enables us to offer this procedure with greater precision and accuracy, preventing damage to surrounding tissue and promoting a faster healing time. The entire procedure only takes one visit to complete, so you leave with a brand-new smile.

Healing and Routine Care

Since the laser cauterizes the treatment area, the chances of infection and bleeding decreases significantly. You also enjoy a faster healing time and a reduced risk of swelling and complications. There may be minor discomfort as the sedation wears off in the first day or so, but over-the-counter pain relievers can often address the discomfort. We will also provide detailed instructions on brushing and flossing, as well as eating and drinking in the hours and days following the procedure. If you have any questions about our cosmetic treatment options or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Gum Contouring?

We want to help you enjoy a beautiful smile, which means we’re ready to address a variety of esthetic concerns with our cosmetic treatment options. To schedule an appointment to discuss our approach to cosmetic dentistry, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.