Crestwood, MO

Gum Contouring in Crestwood, MO

Gum contouring in Crestwood, MO. Have you ever thought that your teeth look short because of large gums? You may have a condition called a “gummy smile,” which can be fixed through a cosmetic dental procedure called gum contouring.

Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Crestwood, MO residents achieve the pearly whites they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly like helping patients who are anxious about having dental work done, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care needed for a great smile and optimal oral health. If you’re looking to upgrade your smile with gum contouring in Crestwood, MO, speak to a member of our staff at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are numerous factors that can lead to 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 are:

• Genetics, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or simply having a gene for 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 push out
• An incorrect bite
• Certain medications that cause gums to grow abnormally
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing every day, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and overgrow
• Certain medical conditions, like leukemia, can cause gum overgrowth
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to the gums becoming more sensitive and prone to excess growth

Fortunately, having excess gum doesn’t come with any other health risks. But for those in Crestwood, MO who want to show off more of their teeth, gum contouring treatment allows you to get a simple smile makeover.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental 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 touching up the existing gum line to give you a more symmetrical smile. The procedure is usually done using a scalpel or laser to carefully remove the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the shape you’re looking for. Gum contouring can be done alongside additional cosmetic dentistry in Crestwood, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in Crestwood, MO

Gum contouring can typically be completed in one appointment. After discussing your options with your Crestwood, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will begin by discussing the procedure with you. They may mark your new gum line with a pen so you can see how your gums will be reshaped.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to prevent any discomfort during the procedure.
• The dentist will reduce or reshape your gum line with a specialized tool.
• The dentist may use stitches to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be requested to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results meet your expectations.

Once you’re finished, your Crestwood, MO dentist will teach you how to encourage healing of your gums and minimize any uncomfortable side effects.

Post-Operative Care For Gum Contouring in Crestwood, MO

In the days after your visit, you need to ensure your gums heal correctly. In addition to your Crestwood, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful tips:

• Take pain relievers as directed — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may suggest you take over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers if needed.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after your gum contouring, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the healing tissue. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
• Take good care of your teeth — Brush and floss as normal, but use a lighter hand on the area where your gums were cut to prevent aggravating anything. Your dentist may also recommend a special mouthwash to help promote healing.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol disrupt the body’s healing process and increase your risk of complications. You should avoid these substances for at least several days after the procedure.
• Don’t miss your follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to check on how you’re healing and remove stitches (if they were used). Don’t miss these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.

In most cases, minor inflammation and discomfort will go away after 1-3 days, and most people can resume their normal routine after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Crestwood, MO

Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?

If you have a “gummy smile”, gum contouring may be a good option for you.

Generally, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a significant underlying dental condition, such as gum disease, periodontitis, or people who have to little gum tissue. Those dental problems require different treatments that ensure your mouth is healthy before moving on to cosmetic procedures.

Requesting an appointment with an experienced Crestwood, 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 surgery is completely without risks, but there’s no reason to be nervous about gum contouring. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding at first, gum contouring only has two associated risks:

• A rare 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?

As gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not pay for it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. However, at Plaza Dental Center in Crestwood, 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 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 looking after your teeth and gums and make the procedure last a lifetime. You need to practice good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and going for your routine dental appointments. Limiting smoking and alcohol intake can also help preserve the results of gum contouring.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Crestwood, MO Today

While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Crestwood, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. 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 especially interested in treating Crestwood, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Crestwood, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.