Gum Contouring in Shrewsbury, MO
Gum contouring in Shrewsbury, MO. Have you ever felt anxious about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are too short or that your smile appears gummy? 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 Shrewsbury, MO residents get the pearly whites they’ve always wanted. We particularly like treating patients who are anxious in the dentists’ chair, 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 feel confident about your smile with gum contouring in Shrewsbury, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.
Why Are My Gums Uneven?
There are a wide range of factors that can cause uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look short, and they have to do with your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes include:
- Genetics, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or just 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, such as not brushing and flossing every day, which can cause swelling and abnormal growth
- Certain medical conditions, for example leukemia, can cause gum overgrowth
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and susceptible to overgrowth
Luckily, having excess gum doesn’t come with any other health risks. But for those in Shrewsbury, MO who want to show off more of their teeth, gum contouring treatment allows you to get 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 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 often done with specialized tools to carefully 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 other cosmetic dental procedures in Shrewsbury, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.
How Gum Contouring Is Done in Shrewsbury, MO
Gum contouring can typically be completed in one appointment. After a consultation with your Shrewsbury, 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 how your gums will be reshaped.
- Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area.
- The dentist will then use a specialized tool to carefully remove excess gum tissue and/or reshape the existing gum line.
- The dentist may use stitches to close any incisions made during the procedure.
- Later appointments may be scheduled to ensure you heal property and that your smile looks like what you were expecting.
Once you’re finished, your Shrewsbury, MO dentist will tell you how to encourage healing of your gums and minimize any adverse side effects.
Healing Process After Gum Contouring in Shrewsbury, MO
In the days after your appointment, it’s important to ensure your gums heal correctly. Beyond your Shrewsbury, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful pieces of advice:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers — Gum contouring may cause some pain. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication in some cases.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly following the procedure, don’t try to eat any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may damage the healing tissue. Instead, eat soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
- Practice good oral hygiene — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be gentle around the area where your gums were reduced to avoid aggravating anything. Your dentist may also recommend prescription mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of complications. It’s best to avoid these substances until your dentist says it’s OK.
- Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate how you’re healing and remove any stitches. Don’t miss these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.
Typically, minor swelling and discomfort will resolve themselves after several days, and most people can resume full normal activities after a week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in Shrewsbury, MO
Should I Get Gum Contouring?
If you have a “gummy smile”, you may be an ideal candidate for gum contouring.
Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a more serious underlying dental issue, such as gum disease, 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.
Requesting a consultation with a professional Shrewsbury, MO dentist is the best way to know if gum contouring is right for you.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No operation is entirely without risks, but gum contouring is simple and safe. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding at first, gum contouring only has two known risks:
- A rare allergic reaction to local anesthetic
- The gums growing back in
Apart from 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 a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not cover it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. But, at Plaza Dental Center in Shrewsbury, 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 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 practice 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 Shrewsbury, MO Today
While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Shrewsbury, 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 get great results. He’s especially interested in treating Shrewsbury, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Shrewsbury, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.