Gum Contouring: A Comprehensive Guide
Everyone’s gums are unique and come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Gum contouring can be used to improve the aesthetic of your smile and has become a relatively common procedure.
This article will outline everything you need to know in order to decide if a gum contouring treatment is right for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is a way to change the shape of your gumline. This is a purely cosmetic and permanent procedure that usually takes under 2 hours depending on your specific needs.
This procedure is completed by a periodontist or cosmetic dentist and will take place in their office. Whether or not you should get this procedure is a personal choice rather than one of necessity.
If you do elect to move forward with the procedure, it’s best to go in with a full understanding of what it entails, how much it cost, and what the recovery will be like.
Gum contouring may be recommended for:
- Improving the aesthetic look of your smile
- Reducing the size of your gum pocket making it easier to keep healthy
- Decrease food getting trapped in the gums
- To improve the look and fit around crowns
- Fixing uneven gums
How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?
The cost of gum reshaping can range quite a bit depending on why your dentist is recommending it. The area in the mouth being treated and the size of the gums involved will be the biggest impact on the price.
The cost can range from $50-$3000.
Some insurances will cover the procedure. Contact your dentist today for a consultation and give your dental insurance provider a call to see if the procedure is fully or partially covered.
Steps of Contouring Gums
Contouring your gums is a simple dental procedure done right in the dentist’s chair. The appointment can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as a few hours depending on your specific needs.
The general schedule of the dental appointment to look like this:
- Your dentist will need to numb numb the area by first using a topical jelly, then inserting a small needle to get the entire area numb.
- Using a special pen, your dentist may draw and map out the desired shape of your gumline.
- Using a laser or scalpel, the gum tissue will be removed.
- In rare occasions stitches may need to be placed depending on the area being treated.
Gum Contouring Recovery
Healing time can be different depending on the size of the area being treated and each persons specific case. Healing time can range from a few days to a few weeks.
After the procedure ends and the numbing wears off, some pain and sensitivity will occur. Your dentist will recommend an over-the-counter pain medication to help.
Having healthy gums before the gum surgery will help with healing process. Check out our Healthy Smile Guide for tips on getting and maintaining healthy gums.
Tips For Gum Contouring Healing
In addition to making sure that you maintain good overall oral health, there are a few things you can do to help manage discomfort and improve healing after the procedure has been completed.
Here are some tips for a fast recovery:
- Support your immune system by eating well. Eat soft foods like soups, pasta, Jell-O, and eggs. Avoid salty and acidic foods that may irritate the gums.
- Drinking plenty of water will help support the healing process. Taking frequent sips of water will also help neutralize bacteria in the mouth.
- Get plenty of rest, especially on the day of the procedure and the day after.
- Avoid wearing any retainers that touch the affected area on the gums until instructed by your dentist.
- Avoid mouthwash with alcohol in it that will irritate and prolong healing. Use warm-salt water rinses to help heal the gums.
- Keep the area clean but modify brushing and flossing habits as needed. It is important to keep the other areas of the mouth clean as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does gum contouring last?
In most cases, gum contouring will last forever. This is a permanent surgical procedure. In rare cases, some people experience gingival overgrowth that involves growth and change of the gums.
How painful is gum contouring?
Your dentist will numb the gums to ensure you don’t feel a thing during the procedure. After the numbing wears off later in the day, you will experience some pain and sensitivity. Your dentist will let you know what over-the-counter pain medication to take to make sure you’re comfortable after.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
