St. Louis, MO

Gum Contouring in St. Louis, MO

Gum contouring in St. Louis, MO. Have you ever felt shy about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are smaller than they should be or that your gums cover most of your teeth? If so, gum contouring can help. This cosmetic dental procedure is gaining popularity as a way to improve the appearance of one’s smile.

Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping St. Louis, MO residents achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. We particularly like treating patients who are anxious about going to the dentists, as we believe no one should go without the dental care they need. If you want to feel great about your smile with gum contouring in St. Louis, MO, speak to a team member at Plaza today at 314-361-1818 or contact us through our website.

What Causes Uneven Gums?

There are a variety of factors that can result in uneven gums and gums that make your teeth look small, and they have to do with your teeth, lips, jaws, gum, and bite. The most common causes are:

• Genetics, for example having a short upper lip, altered passive eruption, or just 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 improper bite
• Certain medications that cause gums to grow too much
• Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause the gums to become inflamed and bulge out
• Certain medical conditions, for instance Crohn’s disease, can cause abnormal growth in gums
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to the gums becoming 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, MO who are looking to be prouder of their smile, gum contouring treatment allows you to get a minimally invasive smile makeover.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a relatively simple 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. Gum contouring is often 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 alongside additional cosmetic dentistry in St. Louis, MO like veneers or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile makeover.

The Gum Contouring Procedure in St. Louis, MO

Gum contouring can typically be completed in one sitting. After discussing gum contouring with your St. Louis, MO dentist, at your next appointment:

• The dentist will start by going over the procedure with you. Sometimes, they’ll mark your new gum line with a pen so you can see what it will look like.
• Local anesthesia will be administered to numb your gums.
• The dentist will then use a specialized tool to carefully remove excess gum tissue and/or reshape the existing gum line.
• The dentist may apply sutures to temporarily close any incisions.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results meet your expectations.

After your gum contouring, your St. Louis, MO dentist will tell you how to care for your gums and minimize any discomfort or swelling.

Tips For a Smooth Gun Contouring Recovery in St. Louis, MO

In the days after your gum contouring, it’s important to ensure your gums heal correctly. Beyond your St. Louis, 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 suggest you take generic pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers if needed.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — In the first few days after your appointment, don’t try to chew on any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may damage the healing tissue. Instead, try soft, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes.
• Take good care of your teeth — Continue to brush and floss your teeth, but be gentle around the treated area to avoid aggravating anything. Your dentist may also suggest prescription mouthwash to help promote healing.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and alcohol disrupt the body’s healing process and possibly add further complications. You need to avoid them until your dentist says it’s OK.
• Don’t miss your 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 scheduled to ensure a successful recovery.

Typically, minor inflammation and pain will subside after a few days, and most people can go back to full normal activities after a week.

FAQs About Gum Contouring in St. Louis, MO

Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?

If you have a “gummy smile”, gum contouring may be a good option for you.

Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they 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.

Scheduling a consultation with an experienced St. Louis, MO dentist is the best way to know if gum contouring is right for you.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Gum Contouring?

No surgery is wholly without risks, but there’s no reason to be scared of gum contouring. In addition to standard swelling or bleeding in the following days, gum contouring only has two known risks:

• A rare allergic reaction to local anesthetic
• The gums growing back in

Apart from 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?

Because gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will not cover it because they don’t consider it medically necessary. However, at Plaza Dental Center in St. Louis, 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 notice the final results after a few weeks as your mouth adapts. However, you should notice considerable improvement in the appearance of your smile soon 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 gum contouring last a lifetime. It is essential to maintain 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 keep your gums in shape.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in St. Louis, MO Today

While gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure, it needs to be done by a dentist in St. Louis, MO who has the experience and expertise to do it well. 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 especially interested in treating St. Louis, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in St. Louis, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.