St. Ann, MO

Gum Contouring in St. Ann, MO

Gum contouring in St. Ann, MO. Have you ever felt anxious about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you think your teeth are too short or that your smile appears gummy? If so, gum contouring can help. This cosmetic dental procedure is gaining popularity as a way to help people get the smile they deserve.

Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping St. Ann, MO residents get the pearly whites they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly enjoy helping patients who are nervous 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 upgrade your smile with gum contouring in St. Ann, MO, speak to a member of our staff at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are a variety of factors that can result in uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look short, 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 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 push out
• An improper bite
• Certain medications that cause gums to grow in excess
• Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause swelling and excessive growth
• Certain medical conditions, for example some types of tumors, 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, having excess gum doesn’t come with any other health risks. But for those in St. Ann, MO who want to show off more of their teeth, gum contouring treatment offers 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 touching up the existing gum line to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The procedure is usually done with specialized tools to gently trim away the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside other cosmetic dental procedures in St. Ann, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in St. Ann, MO

Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After discussing your options with your St. Ann, MO dentist, at your next appointment:

• The dentist will start by discussing the procedure with you. They may draw a line where the new gum line will be so you can see what it will look like.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to prevent any pain during the procedure.
• 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.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure you heal property and that the results meet your expectations.

Once you’re finished, your St. Ann, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your gums and manage any discomfort or swelling.

Gum Contouring Recovery in St. Ann, MO

After your gum contouring, you need to ensure your gums heal properly. Beyond your St. Ann, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful pieces of advice:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication — Gum contouring may cause some pain. Your dentist may recommend store-bought pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication if needed.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly following your appointment, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the healing tissue. Stick to 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 treated area to avoid irritation. Your dentist may also recommend prescription mouthwash to help encourage healing.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and alcohol disrupt the body’s healing process and possibly add further complications. You need to avoid them for at least several days after the procedure.
• Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule future appointments to check on your healing progress and remove any stitches. Don’t miss these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.

Typically, minor inflammation and discomfort will resolve themselves after 1-3 days, and most people can resume full normal activities after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in St. Ann, MO

Should I Get 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 more serious underlying dental problem, such as gum disease, periodontitis, or significant gum recession. Those dental problems are treated in their own way ensure your mouth is able to stand up to cosmetic procedures.

Making a consultation with a professional St. Ann, 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 wholly without risks, but there’s no reason to be nervous about gum contouring. 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?

As 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 St. Ann, 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 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 caring for your teeth and gums and make the procedure last a lifetime. You need to practice 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 St. Ann, MO Today

While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in St. Ann, MO who has the experience and expertise to do it correctly. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, complicated 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 St. Ann, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in St. Ann, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.