Gum Contouring

Precise Gum Contouring in Greensboro, NC

stock photo young woman before and after procedure of gingival plasty closeup

Everybody has a unique gumline. Some people have uneven gumline and some have what they call a “gummy” smile, meaning more gums are showing when smiling rather than teeth. If you have any of these conditions, you may benefit from a gum contouring in Greensboro, NC. 

Sculpt Your Gums for a Perfect Smile

Gum contouring, sometimes referred to as gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, is a dental procedure that resculpts or reshapes your gums. It involves removing some gum tissues that surround your teeth. Gum contouring is frequently an elective treatment, which means it is not required medically. Rather, the procedure is done to enhance the appearance of the teeth, gums, or grin.

However, gum contouring may occasionally be advised by your dentist for reasons related to dental health. An example would be to help treat a gum disease. Gum contouring may be included in treatments like pocket reduction surgery to help cure the gums and teeth.

How Does Gum Contouring Work?

Periodontists and cosmetic dentists at Norman & Gill Dentistry are typically the ones that perform gum contouring in Greensboro, NC. It’s an in-office process that usually takes one visit to complete. You will typically be awake throughout the process and be given local anesthesia to numb the gum area.

In order to expose more of the tooth, our dentist will reshape the gumline and remove extra gum tissue using a soft tissue laser or scalpel. The gum tissue may be kept in place with the use of stitches.

Our dentist may also remove tissue from another area of your mouth, such as your palate if the surgery calls for additional gum tissue because your gums are receding. This tissue is secured around your teeth during surgery to prolong and remodel your gum line. Gum contouring typically takes one to two hours depending on the degree of contouring and amount of resculpting required.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Local anesthesia will be administered prior to the surgery. Your gums will become numb, so you will not feel pain while the dentist is working on your mouth. However, you can expect some soreness and numbness after the procedure depending on how much of your gums had to be removed or altered.

Our doctor may prescribe an analgesic after the procedure to manage the pain. Applying an ice pack or cold compress to your mouth for a few days following the treatment can also help reduce pain and swelling. You can apply the compress for 15–20 minutes at a time. The healing period may vary from person to person but it can usually take days to weeks.

Prettier Smile with Gum Contouring

Whether for health or cosmetic purposes, Norman & Gill Dentistry provides effective gum contouring in Greensboro, NC, that can give you a better-looking smile.

Call us today at (336) 282 2120 to book your appointment or to learn more.