Gum Contouring in Spanish Lake, MO
Gum contouring in Spanish Lake, MO. Have you ever thought that your teeth look like they’re different sizes because of excess gum tissue? That’s often referred to as “gummy smile,” which can be fixed through a cosmetic dental procedure called gum contouring.
Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping Spanish Lake, MO residents get the smile they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly like helping patients who are nervous about going to the dentists, as we believe no one should go without the dental care they need. If you want to feel confident about your smile with gum contouring in Spanish Lake, MO, speak to a team member at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment online.
Why Are My Gums Uneven?
There are many factors that can result in uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look short, and they involve different aspects of the different parts that make up your mouth. The most common causes are:
- Genetics, including 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 in excess
- Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing regularly, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and bulge out
- 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 prone to excess growth
Fortunately, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in Spanish Lake, MO who are looking to be more comfortable with their smile, gum contouring treatment can provide a safe 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 give you a more symmetrical smile. Gum contouring is frequently done using specialized tools to carefully remove the gum tissue, and the dentist will sculpt the gum line to create the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done in concert with additional cosmetic dentistry in Spanish Lake, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile perfect.
The Gum Contouring Procedure in Spanish Lake, MO
Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After a consultation with your Spanish Lake, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:
- The dentist will start by reviewing the procedure with you. They may draw a line where the new gum line will be so you can see what your new smile 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 use sutures to temporarily close any incisions.
- Later appointments may be requested to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results meet your expectations.
Once you’re finished, your Spanish Lake, MO dentist will tell you how to protect your gums and minimize any discomfort or swelling.
Tips For a Smooth Gun Contouring Recovery in Spanish Lake, MO
After your gum contouring, it’s important to take good care of your gums to promote the body’s natural healing process. In addition to your Spanish Lake, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful pieces of advice:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may suggest you take generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication in some cases.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after your appointment, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may damage the healing tissue. Instead, try soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
- Take good care of your teeth — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but use a lighter hand on the area where your gums were cut to avoid aggravating anything. Your dentist may also suggest a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and possibly add further complications. You should avoid them until your dentist says it’s OK.
- Don’t miss your follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to evaluate your healing progress and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.
In most cases, minor inflammation and discomfort will resolve themselves after several days, and most people can resume their normal routine after a week.
FAQs About Gum Contouring in Spanish Lake, MO
Am I a Good Candidate For Gum Contouring?
If you have a “gummy smile”, you may be an ideal gum contouring patient.
Generally, the only the only “bad” candidates have a significant underlying dental problem, 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.
Making a consultation with an experienced Spanish Lake, MO dentist will help you understand if gum contouring is right for you.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No operation is entirely without risks, but there’s no reason to be nervous about gum contouring. In addition to 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 Pay For MY Gum Contouring?
As gum contouring is classified as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not pay for it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. However, at Plaza Dental Center in Spanish Lake, MO, we help as much as we can, 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 the gums heal and adjust to their new shape. 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 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. 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 Spanish Lake, MO Today
While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified Spanish Lake, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona saw many complicated cases during his residency, providing him with valuable experience that allows him to get great results. He’s particularly interested in treating Spanish Lake, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in Spanish Lake, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.