What is Gum Sculpting?

Gum sculpting, or gum contouring, is a cosmetic dental procedure used to re-shape gums that patients would like to change. Many patients who opt for gum sculpting suffer from a condition called gummy smile, in which the gums cover too much of the front teeth and create an unattractive smile. Other patients have uneven or otherwise misshapen gums that they would like to correct. When performed by skilled dentist, gum sculpting is sure to give patients a smile they will take pride in showing off. Below is more information about gum sculpting.

Gum Sculpting Basics

Gum sculpting is a simple surgery that is commonly performed with a scalpel, but more dentists are now using specially designed lasers instead. The procedure, which involves the trimming of excess gum tissue from the teeth, is fast and usually painless. Lasers make the procedure even faster, and healing is enhanced thanks to lasers’ ability to cauterize blood vessels while they cut. To boost the improvements in appearance made possible with gum sculpting, many patients get crowns or veneers as well.

The Gum Sculpting Procedure

Gum sculpting is usually performed under local anesthesia. After numbing the gums, the dentist begins using the laser or scalpel to remove gum tissue from the face of the front teeth. At the same time, the dentist will reshape the gum tissue that remains. For some patients, basic gum sculpting is insufficient. In these cases, dentists might find it necessary to take out some of the bone at the base of the teeth. This is usually only required when the gums are deemed to be at risk of going back onto the teeth again during recovery. While this might sound more extreme than the basic procedure, it’s actually very easy to accomplish.

What Happens Before Surgery

Before starting to sculpt the gums, dentists normally review the procedure with the patient so that he or she knows what to expect. To ensure that the operation goes smoothly, many dentists mark the new gum line. This gives patients a chance to see where their gums will be after the procedure is finished. Finally, anesthetic is applied before the procedure begins.

Recovery and Potential Risks

To ensure that the gums heal properly, patients should take certain precautions after surgery. A few days of rest is valuable at first. Pain can be relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, aspirin should be avoided due to its ability to increase bleeding. Because the gums are tender during this time, soft foods such as eggs, cottage cheese and ice cream should be used in the days following surgery. Crunchy foods should be saved until after healing is complete. Throughout this time, daily dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, should only be done as directed by the dentist.

Patients should be aware that healing may take longer when the procedure is performed with a scalpel rather than a laser. In some cases, too much gum may be removed. This can take additional treatments to correct.

Patients who are dissatisfied with how their gums look should consider gum sculpting. In each case, the cost of treatment depends on how much sculpting must be performed. To get the best results, patients should choose a qualified and reputable cosmetic dentist with specific experience in gum sculpting.

Peter Wendt is a journalist and restaurant owner in Austin, Texas. Wendt had always been self conscious of his small teeth, until he visited a cosmetic dentist in San Antonio. The doctor performed gum sculpting surgery on Wendt, and he now has bigger, beautiful teeth.