Gum Contouring in St. Louis County, MO
Gum contouring in St. Louis County, MO. Have you ever thought that your teeth look smaller or unevenly shaped because of excess gum tissue? You may have a condition called a “gummy smile,” which can be fixed through a cosmetic dental procedure called gum contouring.
Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping St. Louis County, MO residents achieve the pearly whites they’ve always dreamed of. We especially enjoy helping patients who are anxious in the dentists’ chair, 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 St. Louis County, MO, call Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or make an appointment online.
Why Are My Gums Uneven?
There are numerous factors that can cause having too much gum tissue, and they have to do with your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes include:
- Genetics, including 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 bulge out
- An incorrect bite
- Certain medications that cause gums to grow in excess
- Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing and flossing regularly, which can cause swelling and excessive growth
- Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, can cause gum overgrowth
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and prone to excess growth
Luckily, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in St. Louis County, MO who would prefer a more symmetrical smile, gum contouring treatment offers a minimally invasive smile makeover.
What is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure in which gums are reshaped to reduce how noticeable they are. This can be done by removing gum tissues that’s bulged over your teeth or touching up your current gum line to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. The procedure is frequently done using 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 alongside other cosmetic dental procedures in St. Louis County, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.
The Gum Contouring Procedure in St. Louis County, MO
Gum contouring is a simple procedure. After a consultation with your St. Louis County, MO dentist, at your next appointment:
- 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 what your new smile will look like.
- 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 apply sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that your smile looks how you wanted.
Once you’re finished, your St. Louis County, MO dentist will give you instructions on how to protect your gums and minimize any adverse side effects.
Gum Contouring Recovery in St. Louis County, MO
After your visit, you need to ensure your mouth heals properly. In addition to your St. Louis County, MO dentists’ instructions, below are some helpful tips:
- Take pain relievers as directed — Gum contouring can result in pain. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe stronger medication if needed.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly after your gum contouring, don’t try to chew on any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may irritate your gums. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies 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 reduced to prevent aggravating anything. Your dentist may also suggest a special mouthwash to help encourage healing.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol — Smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of complications. You should avoid these substances for at least several 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. Don’t miss these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.
Generally speaking, minor swelling and pain will subside after 1-3 days, and most people can go back to their normal routine after a week.
FAQs About Gum Contouring in St. Louis County, MO
Should I Get 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 a good option for you.
Typically, the only the only “bad” candidates have a more serious underlying dental issue, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or significant gum recession. Those dental problems require different treatments that ensure your mouth is able to stand up to cosmetic procedures.
Making a consultation with an experienced St. Louis County, MO dentist will help you understand if you are a good candidate for gum contouring.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?
No operation is completely 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
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?
As gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will view it as not medically necessary, which means it’s unlikely they’ll cover it. But, at Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis County, 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?
You’ll see the final results after a few weeks as the gums heal and adjust to their new shape. However, you will notice some change immediately.
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 gum contouring 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 St. Louis County, MO Today
While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified St. Louis County, MO dentist to ensure it’s done right. Dr. Joseph Cutrona was fortunate enough to treat large, complex cases during his residency, giving him valuable experience that allows him to get great results. He’s particularly interested in treating St. Louis County, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in St. Louis County, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.