Gum Contouring in Bridgeton, MO
Gum contouring in Bridgeton, MO. Have you ever felt shy about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are smaller than they should be or that your gums cover most of your teeth? If the answer is yes, gum contouring can help. This cosmetic dental procedure is gaining popularity as a way to help people get the smile they deserve.
Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Bridgeton, MO residents achieve the pearly whites they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly like helping patients who are nervous about going to the dentists, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care they need. If you want to feel confident about your smile with gum contouring in Bridgeton, 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 a wide range of factors that can result in uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look short, and they involve different aspects of your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes are:
- 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 push out
- An incorrect bite
- Certain medications that cause gums to grow abnormally
- Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing regularly, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and overgrow
- Certain medical conditions, like Crohn’s disease, can cause gingival hyperplasia
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to the gums becoming more sensitive and prone to excess growth
Fortunately, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in Bridgeton, 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 cosmetic dental procedure in which gums are reshaped to reduce how noticeable they are. This can be done by cutting out gum tissues that’s bulged over your teeth or reshaping your current gum line to create a more symmetrical smile. Gum contouring is frequently done with a scalpel or laser to carefully remove the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside additional cosmetic dentistry in Bridgeton, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.
How Gum Contouring Is Done in Bridgeton, MO
Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After a consultation with your Bridgeton, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:
- The dentist will begin by reviewing the procedure with you. Sometimes, they’ll mark your new gum line with a pen so you can see what it will look like.
- Local anesthesia will be administered to numb your gums.
- 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 sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
- Follow-up appointments may be requested to ensure you heal property and that your smile looks how you wanted.
Once you’re finished, your Bridgeton, MO dentist will teach you how to protect your gums and minimize any discomfort or swelling.
Post-Operative Care For Gum Contouring in Bridgeton, MO
In the days after your appointment, you need to ensure your mouth heals correctly. Beyond your Bridgeton, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful pieces of advice:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication — Gum contouring may cause some pain. Your dentist may recommend generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication in some cases.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days 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 be gentle around the area where your gums were cut to prevent damaging them. Your dentist may also recommend prescription mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and possibly add further complications. You need to avoid them until your dentist says it’s OK.
- Attend 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 doing so could affect your recovery.
Generally speaking, minor inflammation and discomfort will resolve themselves after a few days, and most people can go back to full normal activities after a week.
FAQs About Gum Contouring in Bridgeton, MO
Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?
If you have a “gummy smile”, gum contouring may be an appropriate option for you.
Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a significant underlying dental issue, such as gum disease, 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.
Requesting an appointment with a knowledgeable Bridgeton, MO dentist is the best way to know if you are a good fit for gum contouring.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No medical procedure is wholly without risks, but there’s no reason to be nervous about gum contouring. In addition to standard swelling or bleeding at first, gum contouring only has two known risks:
- An uncommon allergic reaction to local anesthetic
- The gums growing back in
Apart from those, there are a few reactions that are nothing to worry about, 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 Cover Gum Contouring?
Because gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not pay for it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. But, at Plaza Dental Center in Bridgeton, MO, we work with our patients to get them the care they need at an affordable price, for example accepting CareCredit. Contact our office for more information.
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 should notice a significant improvement in the appearance of your smile immediately after the procedure.
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 lifestyle and oral care habits. You need to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing consistently and going for your bi-annual dental appointments. Limiting smoking and alcohol intake can also help keep your gums in shape.
Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Bridgeton, MO Today
While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Bridgeton, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona saw many complex cases during his residency, providing him with valuable experience that allows him to get great results. He’s particularly interested in treating Bridgeton, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Bridgeton, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.