University City, MO

Gum Contouring in University City, MO

Gum contouring in University City, MO. Have you ever felt shy about your smile because of excessive or uneven gums? Do you feel like your teeth are too short or that your smile appears gummy? If so, gum contouring might be the solution for you. This cosmetic dental procedure is gaining popularity as a way to help people get the smile they deserve.

Plaza Dental Center is committed to helping University City, MO residents get the smile they’ve always wanted. We especially like treating patients who are anxious about having dental work done, as it’s important to us that everyone gets the dental care needed for a great smile and optimal oral health. If you want to make over your smile with gum contouring in University City, 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 numerous factors that can result in having too much gum tissue, and they involve different aspects of the different parts that make up your mouth. The most common causes are:

• Genetics, for example 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 too much
• Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing consistently, which can cause swelling and excessive growth
• Certain medical conditions, like some types of tumors, can cause gum overgrowth
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause the gums to become more sensitive and susceptible to excess growth

Fortunately, there aren’t any physical health risks associated with excess gums. But for those in University City, MO who are looking to be prouder of their smile, gum contouring treatment can provide a minimally invasive 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 touching up the existing gum line to give you a more symmetrical smile. The procedure is often done using specialized tools to carefully trim away the gum tissueuntil the dentist achieves the desired shape. Gum contouring can be done alongside other cosmetic dental procedures in University City, MO such as veneers or teeth whitening to make your smile shine.

How Gum Contouring Is Done in University City, MO

Gum contouring can typically be completed in one visit. After a consultation with your University City, MO dentist, the procedure will follow these steps:

• The dentist will start by reviewing 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 then use a specialized tool to carefully remove excess gum tissue and/or reshape the existing gum line.
• The dentist may apply sutures to close any incisions made during the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be requested to ensure you heal property and that the results meet your expectations.

Once you’re finished, your University City, MO dentist will teach you how to encourage healing of your gums and manage any discomfort or swelling.

Tips For a Smooth Gun Contouring Recovery in University City, MO

In the days after your visit, you need to take good care of your gums to promote the body’s natural healing process. In addition to your University City, MO dentists’ instructions, here are some helpful tips:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication — Gum contouring can result in discomfort. Your dentist may recommend store-bought pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain relievers in some cases.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods — Directly after the procedure, don’t try to chew on any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the healing tissue. Instead, try soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups and mashed potatoes.
• Follow good oral hygiene — Brush and floss as you usually do, but be gentle around the area where your gums were cut to avoid aggravating anything. Your dentist may also advise prescription mouthwash to help prevent infection.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol — Smoking and drinking can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of complications. It’s best to avoid them for at least several days after the procedure.
• Attend follow-up appointments — Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your healing progress and remove any stitches. Make sure to attend these appointments as doing so could affect your recovery.

Typically, minor inflammation and pain will resolve themselves after 1-3 days, and most people can resume their normal routine after a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Contouring in University City, MO

Is Gum Contouring Right For Me?

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

Typically, the only times it isn’t right for someone is if they have a more serious underlying dental condition, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, or significant gum recession. Those dental problems require different treatments that ensure your mouth is healthy before moving on to cosmetic procedures.

Requesting a consultation with a professional University City, 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 there’s no reason to be scared of gum contouring. Beyond standard swelling or bleeding at first, gum contouring only has two associated 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?

Because gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure, most insurance will view it as not medically necessary, which means they likely won’t cover it. However, at Plaza Dental Center in University City, 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 notice 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?

The results of gum contouring can last for several years or even a lifetime, depending on your lifestyle and oral care habits. 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 preserve the results of gum contouring.

Call Plaza Dental For Your Gum Contouring in University City, MO Today

While gum contouring is a safe and relatively quick procedure, you still need an experienced and qualified University City, 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 especially interested in treating University City, MO patients who are apprehensive about getting dental work done. If you’re looking to improve your smile with gum contouring in University City, MO, call Plaza Dental Center today at 314-361-1818 or request an appointment today.