What to Expect in Gum Contouring
Do you have uneven gums? Do they rest too high or too low on your teeth? If you’re not happy with how your gums appear together with your teeth, perhaps you might be interested in gum contouring surgery. Also known as gum reshaping, this cosmetic procedure can address the uneven gumline and achieve an amazing, beautiful smile.
Have you ever wondered what caused your uneven gums? Pondered why your gums occupy a big portion of your teeth, making the latter look small? There are a lot of factors that contribute to this condition; the most common is genetics. Health problems and prescription drugs can also cause the gums to rest too high or low.
Gums that seem too high, which results in making the teeth look long, are caused by gum recession; this may be a sign of gum disease, which can lead to decay or tooth loss.
The solution to uneven gums is gum contouring. Generally, this dental procedure is not, in the medical sense, necessary. However, many patients have their gums contoured to achieve a better-looking smile. In some cases, gum contouring is resorted to as a part of another dental procedure like crown lengthening.
A gum contouring procedure is generally painless because local anesthetic is usually applied over the affected area. Postsurgery, the gums usually take a few weeks to heal completely; thus, the patient is advised to limit physical activity.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually prescribed to ease the pain. Eating soft food such as pasta, yogurt, soft veggies and ice cream is highly recommended. Spicy food or anything that has seeds should be avoided during the recovery period.
If you believe you will experience allergic reactions to anesthetic, please notify your dentist in advance. In addition to allergic reaction, other risks associated with this procedure include swelling or bleeding of the gums. If bleeding or excessive swelling persists, it is crucial to call the dentist right away.
