Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the gums to improve the appearance and health of your smile. It includes two main procedures: gingivectomy and crown lengthening. Gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue to treat gum disease or improve aesthetics, while crown lengthening removes gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface, often in preparation for restorative procedures like crowns or veneers.

Gum contouring offers several benefits:

• Improved Aesthetics: Creates a more symmetrical and appealing gum line.
• Enhanced Oral Health: Removes excess gum tissue that can harbor bacteria, reducing the risk of gum disease.
• Better Tooth Exposure: Helps in preparing teeth for restorative treatments by exposing more of the tooth structure.
• Boosted Confidence: Enhances your smile, leading to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Gum contouring is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions. Most patients find the discomfort to be minimal and temporary.

Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing rates. Generally, initial healing takes about one to two weeks. During this period, you should follow a soft diet and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection. Full healing of the gums may take a few weeks to a couple of months. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure used to treat gingival recession, which occurs when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing the roots of the teeth. The procedure involves taking gum tissue, either from the patient’s own mouth (often the palate) or from a donor source, and grafting it onto the affected areas to cover exposed roots, reduce further recession, and improve the gum line’s appearance and health.

Soft tissue grafting is necessary for several reasons:

• Protecting Exposed Roots: Prevents root decay, sensitivity, and potential loss of the tooth.
• Reducing Sensitivity: Covers exposed roots, reducing tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
• Improving Aesthetics: Enhances the appearance of the gum line and overall smile.
• Preventing Further Recession: Strengthens the gum tissue to prevent further recession and related complications.