Florissant, MO

Gum Contouring in Florissant, MO

Gum contouring in Florissant, MO. Have you ever felt shy about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are too short or that your gums cover most of your teeth? If so, gum contouring might be the solution for you. 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 dedicated to helping Florissant, MO residents get the smile they’ve always wanted. We particularly like treating patients who are apprehensive in the dentists’ chair, as we believe no one should go without the dental care needed for a great smile and optimal oral health. If you want to make over your smile with gum contouring in Florissant, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are many factors that can lead to uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look small, and they involve different aspects of your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes are:

• Genetics, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or just having a gene for 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 abnormally
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing regularly, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and overgrow
• Certain medical conditions, such as 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 excess growth

Fortunately, having excess gum doesn’t come with any other health risks. But for those in Florissant, MO who are looking to be more comfortable with their smile, gum contouring treatment allows you to get 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 gum tissues that’s bulged over your teeth or reshaping your current gum line to create a more symmetrical smile. The procedure is usually done with specialized tools to carefully trim away the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside other cosmetic dental procedures in Florissant, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in Florissant, MO

Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After discussing gum contouring with your Florissant, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will begin by going over the procedure with you. They may 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 reduce or reshape your gum line with a specialized tool.
• The dentist may apply sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Later appointments may be requested to monitor the healing process and ensure that your smile looks how you wanted.

After your visit, your Florissant, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to encourage healing of your gums and manage any discomfort or swelling.

Post-Operative Care For Gum Contouring in Florissant, MO

After your visit, you need to take good care of your gums to encourage the body’s natural healing process. Beyond your Florissant, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful pieces of advice:

• Take pain relievers as directed — Gum contouring may cause some discomfort. Your dentist may suggest you take generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers if needed.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after the procedure, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may damage the healing tissue. Instead, try soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
• Practice good oral hygiene — Brush and floss as you usually do, but use a lighter hand on the treated area to prevent irritation. Your dentist may also advise prescription mouthwash to help prevent infection.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of complications. You should avoid them for at least several days after the procedure.
• Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to check on how you’re healing and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.

Typically, minor swelling and discomfort will go away after several days, and most people can resume their normal routine after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Florissant, MO

Should I Get Gum Contouring?

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

Generally, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a significant underlying dental problem, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or people who have to little gum tissue. Those dental problems require different treatments that ensure your mouth is able to stand up to cosmetic procedures.

Making an appointment with a professional Florissant, MO dentist is the best way to know if gum contouring is right for you.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?

No surgery is wholly without risks, but gum contouring is simple and safe. 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, 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 Cover Gum Contouring?

Because gum contouring is categorized as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not cover it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. But, at Plaza Dental Center in Florissant, 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 should notice a significant improvement in the appearance of your smile right 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. It is essential to follow 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 preserve the results of gum contouring.

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

While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Florissant, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona saw many difficult cases during his residency, providing him with valuable experience that allows him to safely and proficiently carry out gun contouring procedures. He’s especially interested in treating Florissant, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Florissant, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.