Our Reliable Gum Reshaping Procedure
Many individuals suffer from what’s called a “gummy smile.” The causes of this cosmetic issue vary, but those who deal with the consequences often experience insecurities. DentAlign NYC wants to help. We offer gum reshaping to New York City patients who want to make their smiles look better than ever. This procedure is straightforward and effective, and our experienced dental professionals know how to perform it safely. We want our patients to understand what they’re in for when they choose gum contouring, so we have compiled some of our most frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS GUM CONTOURING?
Gum contouring – or reshaping – is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct “gummy smiles.” Uneven gum lines make many patients feel self-conscious when they smile, and reshaping is a popular option for fixing the cosmetic problem.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER GUM RESHAPING?
Choosing to undergo this surgical procedure is a personal decision. Unlike a root canal or extraction, your dental health doesn’t hinge on your choice. Instead, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure. You are a good candidate for gum reshaping if you feel self-conscious when you smile due to teeth that look too large or small.
WHAT CAUSES THE ISSUES THAT REQUIRE GUM CONTOURING?
There are several causes of uneven gums. Genetics play a significant role in most patients. But aggressive brushing, gum disease, and other dental ailments can cause the gums to recede or grow too large. For instance, patients with advanced periodontitis witness their gumline slowly recede, which exposes too much of their teeth. Gum contouring is a good option for these patients because it addresses the cosmetic cost of gum disease while treating their periodontal illness.
DOES THE GUM RESHAPING PROCESS HAVE LIMITATIONS?
Unfortunately, we can only sculpt so much with our laser. We want our patients to understand their smile can only be as corrected as our technology allows. However, laser gum reshaping is precise and flexible, which means we can usually satisfy our patients and give them relief. We also must measure your teeth and gums to ensure the gum/teeth ratio is enough to support your teeth. We perform this step before we proceed with contouring.
DOES GUM RESHAPING HURT?
There might be some discomfort or pain. However, as with any other invasive dental procedure, we use numbing agents. We may even medicate you during the procedure to reduce your pain level. Ultimately, gum reshaping’s pain level varies by how much gum tissue we cut away, shape, or graft. Most patients experience a small degree of discomfort or pain during the procedure, followed by a more painful recovery period.
HOW DOES THE GUM RESHAPING PROCEDURE WORK?
Gum reshaping is straightforward and fast – you will not be in the dental chair all day. We use one of two methods to contour gums: scalpels or lasers. We use these tools to remove excessive gum tissue and expose more of your teeth’s enamel. It’s as simple as that. Our professionals know how to work quickly, address the issue, and guarantee as short a recovery time as possible.
WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?
It depends on how we perform the surgery. For instance, if we use a scalpel, we have to use sutures to close the incisions. In this case, patients can expect a longer recovery period and some irritation. Laser gum reshaping is less invasive. No matter which method we choose, you will have to overcome some things during recovery. You can do so by applying ice packs to your face for 15 minutes and taking Ibuprofen. We also advise patients to refrain from eating sharp foods because they can poke, cut, and irritate your teeth. We can reassess your recovery during the follow-up appointment.
ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL USES FOR GUM RESHAPING?
It depends on the patient. For the most part, contouring is a cosmetic procedure with no practical benefits. However, most patients want to undergo reshaping because of the impacts of dental diseases, such as advanced periodontitis. Although the procedure cannot treat periodontal disease, it can be used concurrently. And we believe the emotional health side of contouring is as important as the dental health element.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF GUM RESHAPING LAST?
Unfortunately, this answer varies from case to case. If we remove bone during gum reshaping, then the results can be permanent. However, there is always a risk of the overgrowth or pigmentation issues returning, depending on what caused them. We can provide more information when we meet with you.
Contact DentAlign NYC Today
Our dental team, led by Dr. Kenn and Dr. Irene, has more than 30 years of experience practicing dentistry. We operate in a state-of-the-art facility with all the modern trappings available to dentists today. Both Dr. Kenn and Dr. Irene are committed to continuing education despite their extensive experience and educational history. That’s how DentAlign NYC delivers such outstanding dentistry to our New York City patients. In addition to performing gum reshaping on-site at our office, Dr. Kenn and Dr. Irene perform teeth whitening, root canals, and more. Contact us today for more information.
