Dellwood, MO

Gum Contouring in Dellwood, MO

Gum contouring in Dellwood, MO. Have you ever felt anxious about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you think your teeth are smaller than they should be or that your smile appears gummy? If so, gum contouring can help. This cosmetic dental procedure is becoming more and more popular as a way to help people get the smile they deserve.

Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Dellwood, MO residents get the smile they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly enjoy working with patients who are nervous about going to the dentists, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care needed for a great smile and optimal oral health. If you want to make over your smile with gum contouring in Dellwood, MO, speak to a member of our staff at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are many factors that can lead to having too much gum tissue, and they involve different aspects of the different parts that make up your mouth. 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 incorrect bite
• Certain medications that cause gums to grow too much
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause swelling and abnormal growth
• Certain medical conditions, such as some types of tumors, can cause gum overgrowth
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to the gums becoming more sensitive and prone to overgrowth

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

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure in which a dentist reshapes your gums to reduce their size. This can be done by cutting out gum tissues that’s bulged over your teeth or reshaping the existing gum line to give you a more symmetrical smile. The procedure is usually done with a scalpel or laser to carefully trim away the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the shape you’re looking for. Gum contouring can be done in tandem with additional cosmetic dentistry in Dellwood, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile perfect.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in Dellwood, MO

Gum contouring can typically be completed in one appointment. After a consultation with your Dellwood, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will start by going over the procedure with you. Sometimes, they’ll draw a line where the new gum line will be so you can see what it will look like.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to prevent any pain during the procedure.
• The dentist will reduce or reshape your gum line with a scalpel or laser.
• The dentist may apply sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be requested to monitor the healing process and ensure that your smile looks like what you were expecting.

After your visit, your Dellwood, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your gums and manage any adverse side effects.

Healing Process After Gum Contouring in Dellwood, MO

In the days after your appointment, it’s important to take good care of your gums to promote proper healing and minimize any discomfort or complications. Beyond your Dellwood, MO dentists’ instructions, here 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 in some cases.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after your gum contouring, don’t try to chew on any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may damage the healing tissue. Instead, eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
• Follow good oral hygiene — Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated area to avoid damaging them. Your dentist may also recommend prescription mouthwash to help promote healing.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and possibly add further complications. You should avoid these substances until your dentist says it’s OK.
• Don’t miss your follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to check on your healing progress and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.

Generally speaking, minor inflammation and pain will go away after several days, and most people can go back to full normal activities after a week.

FAQs About Gum Contouring in Dellwood, MO

Should I Get Gum Contouring?

If you have a “gummy smile”, you may be an ideal gum contouring patient.

Typically, the only the only “bad” candidates have a more serious 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 able to stand up to cosmetic procedures.

Scheduling an appointment with a knowledgeable Dellwood, 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 completely without risks, but there’s no reason to be scared of gum contouring. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding in the following days, gum contouring only has two associated risks:

• A rare 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?

As 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 Dellwood, 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?

You’ll notice the final results after a few weeks as the gums heal and adjust to their new shape. 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. You need to practice good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and going for your routine dental appointments. Avoiding smoking and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can also help preserve the results of gum contouring.

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

While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in Dellwood, 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, giving him valuable experience that allows him to get great results. He’s particularly interested in treating Dellwood, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Dellwood, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.