Gum Contouring for Receding Gums
Have you had – or are you thinking about – treatment for receding gums? Tissue grafting is an excellent way to restore healthy gums around the dental roots for a strong and stable smile. In most cases, the gums heal beautifully. However, in some instances, the new gum tissue may appear bulky or excessive. Our doctors at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney in Charlotte, NC can perform laser gum contouring for patients who would like to address these concerns. Gum contouring for receding gums can restore your smile to its original brilliance and beauty, greatly improving your confidence in your appearance.
Tissue Grafting vs Gum Contouring
It is first important to understand the differences between tissue grafting and gum contouring. Tissue grafting is a type of gum surgery used to add tissue to areas where the patient is deficient. For example, if the gums are pulling away from the teeth and the roots are visible, tissue grafting would be necessary.
In contrast, gum contouring is performed when there is too much gum tissue present. During this procedure, the doctor removes excess tissue and reshapes the gum line. These procedures are independent of one another. If a patient undergoes gum grafting, it does not mean they will require gum contouring in the future. Additionally, patients can also be born with excess gum tissue. In many of these cases, these individuals wish to balance out the appearance of their smile with a cosmetic gum contouring procedure.
Who is a Candidate for Gum Contouring?
Patients considering gum contouring typically have excess gum tissue resulting in a “gummy smile.” They may also have an asymmetrical or uneven gum line. Occasionally, gum contouring is also used to reduce the tissue around a tooth before a restoration is placed. For example, if there is too much tissue near the treatment site, a dental crown may not fit properly. Gum contouring can address this concern. Otherwise, patients should be in good oral health, and be free from decay and periodontal disease. If these issues are present, restorative treatment should be performed first before pursuing any type of cosmetic procedure.
Laser Dentistry for Greater Accuracy and Minimal Discomfort
At our practice, we use a diode laser to perform gum contouring. Because there are no incisions or stitches involved in this procedure, patients can enjoy:
- Minimized bleeding
- Less swelling
- Little to no discomfort
- Greater accuracy
- Increased surgical precision
- Faster healing time
A Boost in Confidence
The gums should effectively frame the teeth rather than be the primary focal point. If you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your gummy smile, laser gum contouring could be just the solution for you. Our doctors take all facial features into consideration when planning your treatment. The goal is to bring the lips, teeth, and gums into a more aesthetically pleasing relationship with one another. When you look and feel your best, it shows. Gum contouring can turn your smile into something you’re proud of.
Enhance Your Smile
If you have undergone tissue grafting and you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, consider laser gum contouring. Even if you have not had gum surgery in the past, minimally invasive laser contouring can reshape uneven gums for a beautifully balanced appearance. To learn more about this procedure, contact us schedule an appointment online today.