Gum Contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO
Gum contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO. Have you ever felt anxious about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are smaller than they should be or that your smile appears gummy? If the answer is yes, gum contouring might be the solution for you. This cosmetic dental procedure is becoming more and more popular as a way to improve the appearance of one’s smile.
Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Bel-Ridge, MO residents get the pearly whites they’ve always wanted. We particularly like treating patients who are anxious in the dentists’ chair, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care they need. If you’re looking to make over your smile with gum contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO, speak to a member of our staff at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.
Why Are My Gums Uneven?
There are many factors that can lead to having too much gum tissue, and they involve different aspects of your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes include:
- Genetics, including having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or just a family history of having excess gums
- An upper lip that lifts too high when smiling
- Gingival hypertrophy (enlarged gums)
- Overgrowth of the upper jaw causing gum tissue to bulge out
- An improper bite
- Certain medications that cause gums to grow too much
- Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing regularly, which can cause swelling and excessive growth
- Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, can cause gum overgrowth
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and susceptible to overgrowth
Luckily, having more gum tissue than most doesn’t come with any other health risks. But for those in Bel-Ridge, MO who are looking to be prouder of their smile, gum contouring treatment allows you to get a simple smile makeover.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure that involves reshaping the gum line to improve the appearance of your teeth. This can be done by removing gum tissues that’s bulged over your teeth or reshaping the existing gum line to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Gum contouring is frequently done with specialized tools to carefully remove the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the shape you’re looking for. Gum contouring can be done alongside other cosmetic dental procedures in Bel-Ridge, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.
The Gum Contouring Procedure in Bel-Ridge, MO
Gum contouring can typically be completed in one visit. After a consultation with your Bel-Ridge, MO dentist, at your next appointment:
- The dentist will start by reviewing the procedure with you. They may mark your new gum line with a pen so you can see what your new smile will look like.
- Local anesthesia will be administered to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
- The dentist will then use a scalpel or laser to carefully remove excess gum tissue and/or reshape the existing gum line.
- The dentist may apply stitches to temporarily close any incisions.
- Later appointments may be made to ensure you heal property and that the results meet your expectations.
Once you’re finished, your Bel-Ridge, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your gums and manage any adverse side effects.
Post-Operative Care For Gum Contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO
After your appointment, you need to ensure your mouth heals correctly. In addition to your Bel-Ridge, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful pieces of advice:
- Take pain relievers as directed — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may suggest you take generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers if needed.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly after your appointment, don’t try to chew on any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the healing tissue. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
- Practice good oral hygiene — Brush and floss as you usually do, but use a lighter hand on the area where your gums were reduced to avoid damaging them. Your dentist may also suggest a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and drinking disrupt the body’s healing process and increase your risk of complications. You need to avoid these substances for at least a few days after the procedure.
- Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to evaluate how you’re healing and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.
In most cases, minor swelling and sensitivity will subside after a few days, and most people can go back to their normal routine after a week.
FAQs About Gum Contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO
Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?
If you have excess gum tissue that makes your teeth appear too short or if you have a “gummy smile”, gum contouring may be a good option for you.
Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a significant underlying dental issue, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or people who have receded gums. Those dental problems require different treatments that ensure your mouth is able to stand up to cosmetic procedures.
Requesting an appointment with a professional Bel-Ridge, MO dentist is the best way to know if gum contouring is right for you.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No medical procedure is wholly without risks, but gum contouring is simple and safe. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding in the following days, gum contouring only has two known risks:
- An uncommon allergic reaction to local anesthetic
- The gums growing back in
Apart from those, common side effects include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain or discomfort
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Changes in tooth shape
- Changes in gum texture
Will My Insurance Pay For MY Gum Contouring?
As gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will view it as not medically necessary, which means they likely won’t cover it. However, at Plaza Dental Center in Bel-Ridge, MO, we work with our patients to get them the care they need without breaking the bank, for example accepting CareCredit. Contact our office for more information.
How Long Does It Take For Gum Contouring to Work?
The final results of gum contouring can take several weeks to appear as the gums heal and adjust to their new shape. However, you should notice considerable improvement in the appearance of your smile immediately after the procedure.
How Long Do The Results of Gum Contouring Last?
That depends (at least partly) on you! Properly caring for your teeth and gums and make the procedure last a lifetime. You need to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing consistently and going for your annual dental appointments. Limiting smoking and alcohol intake can also help preserve the results of gum contouring.
Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO Today
While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in Bel-Ridge, MO who has the experience and expertise to do it well. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, complicated cases early in his career, providing him with valuable experience that allows him to safely and proficiently carry out gun contouring procedures. He’s particularly interested in treating Bel-Ridge, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Bel-Ridge, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.