A gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reshape the gum tissue surrounding the teeth, exposing more of the natural tooth structure. This treatment is often referred to as gum contouring or an aesthetic gingivectomy, creating a more balanced and visually appealing smile line. It is an elective procedure focused on improving the proportionality between the teeth and the gums when excess tissue is the primary concern.
Addressing the Gummy Smile
The primary motivation for a gum lift is correcting a “gummy smile,” or excessive gingival display. This condition involves a disproportionate amount of gum tissue visible when smiling, which can make the teeth appear short or small. Although there is no universally defined measure, a smile showing three millimeters or more of gum tissue is often perceived as gummy.
This appearance results from several factors, often stemming from genetics that influence tooth eruption and gum formation. For instance, altered passive eruption occurs when the gums fail to recede properly after adult teeth have grown in. Additionally, certain medications, such as anti-convulsants or immunosuppressants, can lead to an overgrowth of gum tissue, known as gingival hyperplasia.
The Gum Lift Procedure
A gum lift is an aesthetic gingivectomy, involving the surgical removal and reshaping of excess gum tissue. The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort. The dental professional then measures the amount of gum tissue to be removed to establish the new gum line.
The excess tissue can be removed using a traditional scalpel or, more commonly, a soft tissue laser. Laser techniques are preferred because the laser simultaneously removes tissue and cauterizes blood vessels. This leads to less bleeding, reduced swelling, and faster healing times. After removal, the remaining gum line is contoured to achieve a smooth, even, and symmetrical appearance around the teeth.
The entire treatment is typically completed in a single office visit and is considered a minor surgical procedure. This aesthetic gum lift must be distinguished from functional crown lengthening, a more involved surgery that requires removing both gum tissue and underlying bone. A standard gum lift focuses only on recontouring the soft tissue.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following the procedure, patients may experience swelling and soreness in the treated gum areas, which is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Initial healing time is short, with significant improvement often seen within a few days to one week. Full tissue maturation, however, can take several weeks to months.
For the first few days, a soft food diet is recommended to avoid irritating the healing tissues. Patients must avoid hard, crunchy, spicy foods, and acidic beverages, which could cause discomfort. It is also advised to avoid using a straw, as the sucking motion can disturb the healing process.
Maintaining oral hygiene is necessary for proper recovery, but it must be done gently. Patients should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid directly brushing or flossing the treated areas for a short period. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution helps keep the area clean and reduce inflammation.
Once the gum tissue has fully healed, the aesthetic results of the gum lift are considered permanent, as the removed tissue does not typically grow back.