Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Gum Contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Gum contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Have you ever thought that your teeth look short because of excess gum tissue? That’s often referred to as “gummy smile,” which can be fixed through a cosmetic dental procedure called gum contouring.

Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO residents achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of. We especially enjoy treating patients who are nervous about having dental work done, as we believe no one should go without the dental care needed for a great smile and optimal oral health. If you want to feel great about your smile with gum contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

Why Are My Gums Uneven?

There are many factors that can result in uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look small, and they have to do with 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 moves up 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, like not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause swelling and excessive growth
• Certain medical conditions, for instance leukemia, can cause abnormal growth in gums
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and prone to overgrowth

Fortunately, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO who would prefer a more symmetrical smile, gum contouring treatment can provide a minimally invasive smile makeover.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a dentist reshapes your gums to reduce their size. This can be done by cutting out excess gum tissue or touching up the existing gum line to create a more symmetrical smile. Gum contouring is frequently done using specialized tools to gently trim away the gum tissue, and the dentist will sculpt the gum line to create the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside additional cosmetic dentistry in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile shine.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Gum contouring can typically be completed in one visit. After discussing gum contouring with your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will start by reviewing the procedure with you. Sometimes, they’ll draw a line where the new gum line will be 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 reduce or reshape your gum line with a scalpel or laser.
• The dentist may use sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Later appointments may be scheduled to ensure you heal property and that your smile looks like what you were expecting.

After your appointment, your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist will teach you how to protect your gums and minimize any uncomfortable side effects.

Gum Contouring Recovery in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

After your visit, it’s important to take good care of your gums to encourage the body’s natural healing process. In addition to your Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful pieces of advice:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication — Gum contouring may cause some discomfort. Your dentist may recommend store-bought pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers in some cases.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly after the procedure, don’t try to eat any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate your gums. Instead, eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
• Take good care of your teeth — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but go easy on the area where your gums were cut to avoid irritation. Your dentist may also recommend a special mouthwash to help promote healing.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and possibly add further complications. It’s best to avoid them for at least a few days after the procedure.
• Don’t miss your follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to check on your healing progress and remove stitches (if they were used). Make sure to attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.

Generally speaking, minor swelling and sensitivity will subside after a few days, and most people can resume full normal activities after a week.

FAQs About Gum Contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Am I a Good Candidate For Gum Contouring?

If you have excess gum tissue that makes your teeth appear too short or if you have a “gummy smile”, you may be an ideal candidate for gum contouring.

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 healthy before moving on to cosmetic procedures.

Making a consultation with a professional Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist is the best way to know if you are a good candidate for gum contouring.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?

No surgery is entirely without risks, but gum contouring is about as safe as a procedure can get. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding at first, gum contouring only has two associated risks:

• An uncommon allergic reaction to local anesthetic
• The gums growing back in

Beyond those, there are a few reactions that are not serious, but are common after gum contouring:

• 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?

Because gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not cover it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. However, at Plaza Dental Center in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, we help as much as we can, for example accepting CareCredit. Contact our office to learn more.

How Long Does It Take to See The Final Results of Gum Contouring?

The final results of gum contouring can take several weeks to appear as your mouth adapts. However, you will notice some change immediately.

How Long Do The Results of Gum Contouring Last?

The results of gum contouring can last for several years or even a lifetime, depending on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle factors. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing consistently and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Avoiding smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can also help keep your gums in shape.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO Today

While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, difficult cases during his residency, giving him valuable experience that allows him to get great results. He’s particularly interested in treating Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.