A Guide to Gum Contouring
While the majority of individuals will experience some kind of oral health problem at one point in their lives, fewer will feel unhappy with the appearance with their smile and want to take action to resolve it.
These issues can span from the colour of pearly whites to the alignment, as the emergence of cosmetic dentistry has resulted in a high number of people looking to a trained professional to improve the appearance of the teeth.
As a result of significant technological advancements, those who dislike the look of their gums can also seek assistance with this problem that could be limiting their quality of life.
What is Gum Contouring?
This course of action – also known a gum reshaping – is a cosmetic form of dental treatment used to improve the appearance of a person’s pearly whites. It is usually used in cases where a person has a “gummy smile”.
Such a condition may be caused by genetics, health circumstances or certain high blood pressure prescription. Unfortunately, individuals living with this may have a reduced self-confidence and could result in them making efforts not to smile in public.
Luckily, gum contouring is a dental treatment that is painless and can solve this problem for patients in a quick and effortless course of action.
What is a Gummy Smile?
This is usually the case when there is a high percentage of tissue covering a person’s front teeth and is usually a direct result of genetics. However, in some instances, health conditions or side effects from particular drugs can cause it to occur.
While it mainly affects the pearly whites that are visible during laughing and speaking, a gummy smile can also have an impact on the back of the mouth.
Although it is not considered a medical issue, the aesthetic problem can have profound effects on a person’s self-esteem and affect their mental wellbeing, which is why this course of action is so important.
What is Gum Contouring?
Also known as a gum lift, this procedure is most commonly carried out with the use of a scalpel, but technological advances have seen the development of special laser devices to resolve the issue of a gummy smile.
During the procedure, the implement is utilised to trim away at any excessive gum overlying the teeth. Although it sounds painful, the process is carried out very quickly and little discomfort is caused.
Using the traditional scalpel method usually takes a little longer to complete, while the laser has the added bonus of being able to seal vessels throughout, which can limit the amount of blood released due to the incision.
Along with dental veneers and crowns after the procedure is complete, contouring is a largely simple procedure that can act as a remedy for a gummy smile.
What Does The Process Entail?
Initially, a local anaesthetic is administered to make the area numb ready for the dental professional to begin the procedure. Following this, the scalpel or specially-designed device is utilised to trim away at the excessive tissue that is covering the front pearly whites.
As well as cutting the gum, the practitioner will also reshape the area that remains to ensure the best results possible.
The healing process is relatively quick for all patients, but the time needed is dramatically reduced if the more innovative method is utilised, as the vessels are sealed to prevent excessive bleeding when the operation is complete.
In some cases, the removal and reshaping of this area is not enough to improve the appearance of the smile, so a dentist may need to remove some of the bone in which the teeth are rooted.
Although this course of action does seem daunting, it is a fairly simple procedure and is the perfect base for the installation of veneers or crowns.
What Are The Benefits and Risks of This Process?
Individuals who undergo gum contouring may find they experience a dramatic increase in self-confidence and now approach social situations with a positive attitude. There are a series of wider benefits that can be enjoyed by the majority of individuals, including:
- The procedure is relatively painless, patients will be unable to feel anything during the procedure as a result of the local anaesthetic
- A quick and simple healing process, although this will take slightly longer if a scalpel is used
- The removal of too much tissue can make it difficult for the designated area to heal adequately, which can lead to swelling and may need to be corrected with further treatment.
How Much Can I Expect To Pay For a Gum Lift?
The cost of gum contouring can vary depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be lifted, as well as the implement used to conduct the procedure. In addition, the experience of the practitioner is likely to result in differing costs, as specialist is likely to charge more than a general dentist.
Usually, the treatment starts from around £100.