Hanley Hills, MO

Gum Contouring in Hanley Hills, MO

Gum contouring in Hanley Hills, 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 so, gum contouring might be the solution for you. 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 Hanley Hills, MO residents achieve the pearly whites they’ve always dreamed of. We especially like treating 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 Hanley Hills, MO, speak to a team member at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or schedule an appointment through our website.

Why Are My Gums Uneven?

There are a lot of factors that can cause 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, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or simply 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 incorrect bite
• Certain medications that cause gums to grow abnormally
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause swelling and abnormal growth
• 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 susceptible to excess growth

Luckily, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in Hanley Hills, MO who are looking to be prouder of their smile, gum contouring treatment can provide 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 excess gum tissue or reshaping the existing gum line to give you a more symmetrical smile. The procedure is usually done with a scalpel or laser 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 in combination with additional cosmetic dentistry in Hanley Hills, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile perfect.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in Hanley Hills, MO

Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After a consultation with your Hanley Hills, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will begin by reviewing 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 then use a scalpel or laser to carefully remove excess gum tissue and/or reshape the existing gum line.
• The dentist may apply stitches to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results meet your expectations.

After your visit, your Hanley Hills, MO dentist will tell you how to encourage healing of your gums and minimize any discomfort or swelling.

Healing Process After Gum Contouring in Hanley Hills, MO

In the days after your appointment, it’s important to take good care of your gums to promote the body’s natural healing process. In addition to your Hanley Hills, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful pieces of advice:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers — Gum contouring may cause some discomfort. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication in some cases.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after your appointment, don’t try to eat any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate your gums. Instead, try soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
• Follow good oral hygiene — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but go easy on the treated area to prevent damaging them. Your dentist may also advise prescription mouthwash to help encourage healing.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and alcohol disrupt the body’s healing process and possibly add further complications. It’s best to avoid them for at least several days after the procedure.
• Don’t miss your follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to evaluate your healing progress 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 pain will go away after several days, and most people can resume their normal routine after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Hanley Hills, MO

Should I Get Gum Contouring?

If you have excess gum tissue that makes your teeth appear uneven or if you have a “gummy smile”, gum contouring may be an appropriate option for you.

Typically, the only the only “bad” candidates have a more serious underlying dental condition, such as gum disease, periodontitis, or people who have receded gums. Those dental problems are treated in their own way ensure your mouth is healthy before moving on to cosmetic procedures.

Scheduling an appointment with a knowledgeable Hanley Hills, 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 known risks:

• A rare 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 Pay For MY 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 Hanley Hills, MO, we work with our patients to get them the care they need without breaking the bank, for example accepting CareCredit. Contact our office to learn more.

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

You’ll see the final results after a few weeks as your mouth adapts. However, you should notice considerable improvement in the appearance of your smile right 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 oral hygiene habits and lifestyle factors. It is essential to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing consistently and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Limiting smoking and alcohol intake can also help keep your gums in shape.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Hanley Hills, MO Today

While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in Hanley Hills, MO who has the experience and expertise to do it correctly. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, complex cases during his residency, giving him valuable experience that allows him to safely and proficiently carry out gun contouring procedures. He’s especially interested in treating Hanley Hills, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Hanley Hills, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.