Just like the frame of a picture enhances its appearance, the gums of the smile do the same for the teeth. When the soft tissues surrounding the teeth are unevenly shaped, too large or small, or not effectively proportioned with the smile, it can make a negative impact. Some patients end up with a smile that looks too “gummy” due to excess gum tissue covering the tooth, while others may have experienced shrinking of the gum tissue due to conditions such as periodontal disease. These situations can all be addressed with procedures such as gum recontouring.
What is gum recontouring?
At Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry, gum recontouring can be used to transform the smile. Our dentists can use specialized instruments to eliminate extra soft tissue to expose more tooth structure or extend and graft excess gum tissue in situations where the gums have receded. In addition to improving the look of the smile, gum recontouring can also have a positive impact on one’s oral health by eliminating areas within the smile where bacteria can accumulate.
Is gum recontouring painful?
Our dentists work directly with patients to make sure that all procedures performed in our practice are done in a way to maintain patient comfort. This includes using local aesthetic injections and/or topical numbing creams. Patients may always want to ask about sedation options to ensure they are comfortable from start to finish. Some discomfort may occur after the procedure for a few days as the area heals, but this is short-term and is often addressed with administration of over-the-counter pain management medications. Our team will evaluate patients for their procedure and can educate patients on what to expect from their upcoming gum recontouring procedure.
For more information, contact Drs of Smiles Gentle Family Dentistry
If you reside in the area of Mesa, AZ and want to discuss the benefits of gum recontouring for smile enhancement, contact our dentists today by calling (480) 834-6991 and visiting our practice. We are available for new and current patients and families, and encourage individuals to start taking charge of their smile’s appearance and health.