While many only think of the teeth when considering the appearance of your smile, the gums play a large role as well. It’s common for patients to feel self-conscious about a “gummy smile,” which refers to an excessive amount of gum tissue that shows when smiling. Thankfully, our Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist offers gum contouring to refine the gumline and create a look you can be proud of.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, or a “gum lift,” aims to reshape the gums using lasers, scalpels, or grafts. Depending on your needs, the procedure can either reduce excess gum tissue to lengthen the appearance of the teeth and correct a gummy smile, or add tissue to restore receding gums (which are often the result of periodontal disease or other oral health concerns).
Am I a Candidate for Gum Contouring?
Most candidates who are self-conscious about the appearance of their gums or who need to restore receding gums are good candidates for a gum lift. Before you undergo gum contouring, Dr. Diana Tadros will evaluate the overall health of your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate. If you have gum disease, it is important to resolve this condition before your gum contouring can be completed. No matter your unique case, Dr. Tadros will create a treatment plan that suits your health and cosmetic goals.
Complementary Procedures to Gum Contouring
Dr. Tadros often combines the gum lift procedure with other cosmetic or restorative treatments for enhanced results. For example, veneers can address chips, discoloration, or minor misalignment, complementing a gum lift by refining both the teeth and gumline for a more balanced smile. Meanwhile, patients with missing teeth may benefit from dental implants, which can significantly restore both function and appearance. When paired with gum contouring, implants can create a seamless, natural-looking gum-to-tooth transition. Dr. Tadros will be happy to discuss your individual goals to build a customized plan for your treatment.
What Does the Gum Lift Procedure Entail?
Before your gum contouring procedure, you will receive local anesthesia so the gum area is completely numb. Dr. Tadros will then use a scalpel or laser to remove excess gum tissue, creating a natural-looking contour which exposes a suitable amount of teeth and improves the overall appearance of your smile.
Alternatively, if your gums have receded, a tissue graft may be used to restore and reshape the gumline. This process typically involves harvesting soft tissue from another area of the mouth, such as the palate, and placing it over the exposed areas of the teeth. Dr. Tadros will carefully secure the graft in place to encourage proper healing and integration.
Depending on the extent of your gum contouring procedure, the process typically takes about one to two hours. Patients can usually drive themselves home immediately after the procedure is complete.
What Can I Expect From Gum Lift Recovery?
After gum contouring, you will likely experience some tenderness or sensitivity in the gums; for this reason, Dr. Tadros advises you to stick to soft foods or a liquid diet for the first two to three days. Many patients also choose to take this time away from work, school, or other routines as they recover.
You may be given an antibiotic rinse to prevent infection throughout the recovery process. Dr. Tadros will give you specific instructions for your recovery period, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled no more than a week after your gum contouring to check in on your healing progress.
Schedule Your Gum Contouring Appointment
If you want to address a gummy smile, receding gums, or signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment at Beauty and the Teeth Dental. Dr. Tadros is excited to guide you along the path to a healthy and beautiful smile.
