Gum Contouring in St. John, MO
Gum contouring in St. John, MO. Have you ever felt self-conscious about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you think your teeth are too short or that your gums cover most of your teeth? If the answer is yes, gum contouring can help. This cosmetic dental procedure is becoming more and more popular as a way to improve the appearance of one’s smile.
Plaza Dental Center is dedicated to helping St. John, MO residents get the smile they’ve always dreamed of. We particularly enjoy treating patients who are nervous about going to the dentists, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care they need. If you’re looking to upgrade your smile with gum contouring in St. John, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us online.
What Causes Uneven Gums?
There are many factors that can cause uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look small, and they involve different aspects of your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes are:
- 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 push 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, such as leukemia, can cause gum overgrowth
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and susceptible to overgrowth
Fortunately, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in St. John, 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 in which a dentist reshapes your gums to reduce how noticeable they are. This can be done by cutting out excess gum tissue or touching up your current gum line to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Gum contouring is frequently done using specialized tools to gently remove the gum tissue, and the dentist will sculpt the gum line to create the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside additional cosmetic dentistry in St. John, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile perfect.
How Gum Contouring Is Done in St. John, MO
Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After a consultation with your St. John, 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 how your gums will be reshaped.
- Local anesthesia will be administered to numb your gums.
- The dentist will reduce or reshape your gum line with a specialized tool.
- The dentist may use sutures to temporarily close any cuts.
- Follow-up appointments may be requested to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results meet your expectations.
After your visit, your St. John, MO dentist will teach you how to care for your gums and manage any uncomfortable side effects.
Tips For a Smooth Gun Contouring Recovery in St. John, MO
In the days after your gum contouring, it’s important to ensure your mouth heals properly. Beyond your St. John, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful tips:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may suggest you take store-bought pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers if needed.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly 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 go easy on the area where your gums were reduced to prevent irritation. Your dentist may also advise prescription mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol disrupt the body’s healing process and possibly add further complications. It’s best to avoid them until your dentist says it’s OK.
- Don’t miss your 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 scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.
Generally speaking, minor swelling and sensitivity will subside after a few days, and most people can go back to their normal routine after a week.
FAQs About Gum Contouring in St. John, MO
Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?
If you have excess gum tissue that makes your teeth appear smaller or if you have a “gummy smile”, you may be an ideal gum contouring patient.
Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a more serious underlying dental condition, such as gum disease, 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 St. John, MO dentist will help you understand if gum contouring is right for you.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No medical procedure is entirely without risks, but gum contouring is about as safe as a procedure can get. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding in the following days, gum contouring only has two known risks:
- An uncommon 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 Cover 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 St. John, 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?
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 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. 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 St. John, MO Today
While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in St. John, 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, providing him with valuable experience that allows him to safely and proficiently carry out gun contouring procedures. He’s especially interested in treating St. John, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in St. John, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.