What Gum Contouring Is Used For

Has your dentist talked to you about gum contouring? This procedure may be unfamiliar to you. If you do not understand what the purpose of this treatment is, it is helpful to learn more before you visit the dentist again. You can then feel comfortable moving forward with the process to improve your smile. This treatment has various purposes and steps. There are also benefits to doing it.

Good gum care

Whether gum contouring is something a person is thinking about or not, gum health is vital. A person should never ignore the need to maintain healthy, strong gums. Unhealthy gums can lead to infections, tooth loss, or even bone loss. These factors can pose significant health challenges and affect the quality of the person’s smile.

The most important step a person can take to maintain their gums is to floss every day. Flossing in between every tooth will remove food particles and reduce the risk of bacteria attacking the tissue. This cuts down on the appearance of gum disease. Brushing at least twice a day and using a mouthwash will also kill bacteria and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Regular visits to the dentist’s office are also vital.

To treat a gummy smile

A smile is one of the first features a person will notice about someone else. When someone’s smile shows more gum tissue than teeth, it can be embarrassing. This cosmetic concern does not have to persist. Thanks to gum contouring, the dentist can remove excess gum tissue. Doing this will show more of the teeth and make the smile look less gummy. The process involves the dentist cutting away tissue and re-sculpting the gumline.

To revitalize the gum tissue

Some patients have the opposite problem, but it can still be a concern. If the patient has a low gumline, the smile may show too much of the teeth. With gum contouring, the dentist can take tissue from the roof of the mouth and build up the gums. Then, the dentist will re-sculpt the gums to put the gumline in the desirable location. This process involves little to no pain and discomfort. The dentist may not even have to use an anesthetic to numb the mouth.

To treat gum disease

For many people, the way their gums look have more to do with genetics than anything else. But poor oral hygiene can also negatively impact the gums. When a person has gum disease, the gums may swell and appear puffy. The dentist can do gum contouring to ease this condition. Also, gums can start to recede and pull away from the teeth. If this happens, the dentist can add to the gum tissue and recontour them to halt the recession.

Gum contouring can help your smile

Teeth are not the only parts of your mouth that can affect your smile. If you have puffy gums or a high or low gumline, you may want to hide your smile. Thankfully, with gum contouring, the dentist can restore your appearance. Ask your dentist whether you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Request an appointment here or call Dallas Laser Dentistry at (469) 838-5292 for an appointment in our Dallas office.