Maryland Heights, MO

Gum Contouring in Maryland Heights, MO

Gum contouring in Maryland Heights, MO. Have you ever noticed that your teeth look short due to excess gum tissue? You may have a condition called a “gummy smile,” which can be corrected through a cosmetic dental procedure known as gum contouring.

Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping Maryland Heights, MO residents get the pearly whites they’ve always wanted. We particularly like treating patients who are nervous in the dentists’ chair, 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 Maryland Heights, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are a variety of factors that can result in having too much gum tissue, and they involve different aspects of your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes include:

• Genetics, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or simply 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 in excess
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and overgrow
• Certain medical conditions, for example leukemia, can cause gingival hyperplasia
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and prone to overgrowth

Luckily, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in Maryland Heights, MO who are looking to be prouder of their smile, gum contouring treatment can provide a minimally invasive 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 reshaping the existing gum line to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The procedure is often done with a scalpel or laser to gently trim away the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the shape you’re looking for. Gum contouring can be done in combination with additional cosmetic dentistry in Maryland Heights, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile perfect.

How Gum Contouring Is Done in Maryland Heights, MO

Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After discussing gum contouring with your Maryland Heights, MO dentist, at your next appointment:

• The dentist will start by going over the procedure with you. Sometimes, they’ll 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 pain during the procedure.
• The dentist will reduce or reshape your gum line with a scalpel or laser.
• The dentist may apply stitches to temporarily close any cuts.
• Later appointments may be made to ensure you heal property and that the results meet your expectations.

After your visit, your Maryland Heights, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to encourage healing of your gums and minimize any adverse side effects.

Healing Process After Gum Contouring in Maryland Heights, MO

In the days after your gum contouring, you need to take good care of your gums to encourage proper healing and minimize any discomfort or complications. In addition to your Maryland Heights, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful pieces of advice:

• Take pain relievers as directed — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may recommend generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers in some cases.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly following your appointment, don’t try to eat any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate your gums. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
• Practice good oral hygiene — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be gentle around the area where your gums were cut to avoid irritation. Your dentist may also advise a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and drinking disrupt the body’s healing process and increase your risk of complications. You need to avoid these substances for at least a few days after the procedure.
• Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate how you’re healing and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.

In most cases, minor swelling and pain will subside after 1-3 days, and most people can go back to full normal activities after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Maryland Heights, MO

Am I a Good Candidate For 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.

Generally, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a more serious underlying dental issue, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or significant gum recession. Those dental problems are treated in their own way ensure your mouth is healthy before moving on to cosmetic procedures.

Making a consultation with an experienced Maryland Heights, MO dentist will help you understand if you are a good fit for gum contouring.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?

No surgery is entirely without risks, but gum contouring is simple and safe. In addition to 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, 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 Cover Gum Contouring?

Because gum contouring is classified as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will view it as not medically necessary, which means it’s unlikely they’ll cover it. However, at Plaza Dental Center in Maryland Heights, MO, we help as much as we can, for example accepting CareCredit. Contact our office for more information.

How Long Does It Take For Gum Contouring to Work?

The final results of gum contouring can take several weeks to appear as the gums heal and adjust to their new shape. However, you should notice considerable improvement in the appearance of your smile soon 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 maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Limiting smoking and alcohol intake can also help preserve the results of gum contouring.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in Maryland Heights, MO Today

While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Maryland Heights, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, difficult 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 Maryland Heights, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Maryland Heights, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.