Gum contouring, technically known as a gingivectomy, is a common dental procedure designed to reshape or remove excess gum tissue from around the teeth. This process sculpts the gum line to create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. It adjusts the proportion of gum to tooth, addressing issues where the gums appear too low or too high. The procedure is typically performed by a periodontist or a specially trained general dentist.
Indications for Gum Contouring
Patients often seek gum contouring to address aesthetic concerns where their gum line is uneven or appears to cover too much of the teeth’s surface. When excess gum tissue makes teeth look unusually short or small, the procedure can expose more of the natural tooth structure, creating a more proportionate appearance. Correcting an asymmetrical gum line, where the tissue rests at different heights across various teeth, is another common goal for this reshaping. The procedure helps create a smooth, even arch across the top of the teeth.
Beyond cosmetic goals, gum contouring serves functional purposes, most notably in preparing the mouth for restorative dental work. To properly fit a crown or veneer, a dentist may need to remove a small amount of gum tissue to expose a sufficient tooth surface. This process, often called crown lengthening, ensures the restoration is properly seated and provides a clean margin. In some cases, reshaping the gums can also reduce pockets where bacteria can accumulate, contributing to better long-term oral hygiene.
How the Contouring Procedure Works
The process begins with a careful examination and mapping of the patient’s existing gum line and the desired final contour. The dental professional uses a special pen to mark the new, symmetrical gum line directly onto the tissue, serving as a guide for removal. Before any tissue is removed, local anesthesia is administered to the treated area, ensuring the patient remains comfortable.
Tissue removal is performed using one of two primary methods: a traditional scalpel or a soft tissue laser. While a scalpel method is effective, it requires incisions and often needs sutures, potentially leading to more bleeding. The specialized soft tissue laser has become the preferred modern approach for many practitioners, using concentrated light energy to precisely trim away excess gum tissue.
The laser cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, which minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of infection. Its precision allows for accurate sculpting of the gum line, resulting in a smooth and predictable outcome. The entire procedure is typically quick, often requiring only a single office visit. If a small amount of underlying bone also needs to be reshaped to prevent the gums from growing back, the procedure becomes more involved and may take longer.
What to Expect During Recovery
Following the gum contouring procedure, patients should expect a relatively quick recovery, with the majority of healing occurring within a few days to two weeks. It is normal to experience some mild soreness and tenderness in the treated gum areas immediately after the anesthesia wears off. This discomfort is usually managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as recommended by the dental professional. Swelling can be minimized during the first day by applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the surgical site.
Proper aftercare is important for a smooth recovery. For the first few days, patients are advised to eat only soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the healing tissue. Hard, crunchy, spicy, or extremely hot foods should be avoided until the gums have recovered. Patients must maintain oral hygiene gently, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding vigorous brushing of the newly contoured gum line.
Your dentist may recommend a special antimicrobial mouthwash or a warm saltwater rinse to keep the area clean and reduce the chance of infection. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for the first 24 to 48 hours, as an elevated heart rate can increase blood flow to the gums and potentially cause increased swelling or bleeding. By following these specific instructions, most patients return to their normal routine quickly, with a fully healed and reshaped gum line.