IS GUM CONTOURING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Having a beautiful smile is not just important for aesthetic reasons, but it also improves your self-esteem and confidence. If your smile contains uneven or undesired gums, however, it might be difficult to be comfortable you’re your smile. Fortunately, cosmetic gum reshaping in winston salem north carolina and gum contouring are available with modern dental technology. Gum contouring is a surgical procedure which can aid in the health of your teeth, gums and improve the overall appearance of your smile.

When Is a Cosmetic Gum Procedure a Good Option?

this procedure helps patients who have uneven gums or gums which cover too much of their teeth. This condition can be caused by genetics, bacterial infection, poor oral care or the use of certain medications. This results in what is often called a "gummy" smile, with teeth that appear smaller than normal.

How It Works

Gum reshaping is performed in many dentist and periodontist offices. Patients receive a mild local anesthetic to numb the gums, and the dentist will use a soft tissue laser to remove the excess gum tissue. Crown lengthening can also help with resolving a "gummy smile". The laser recontours and then seals the tissue to create the desired shape and prevent ongoing bleeding. The dentist can also use the laser to eliminate pockets that trap bacteria which helps prevent future infections. The procedure may vary, but often times it can be completed in a single visit.

Gum Contouring Costs

The costs involved in the gum treatment primarily depends on how severe the problem being treated is. Reshaping costs can range from $600 to $2,000 for a single tooth. Some insurance companies do not cover any portion of the costs for a cosmetic procedure, while other providers may only provide financial assistance when there is a medical need for the treatment.

Treatment Aftercare

Recovery time following the procedure is often very brief but can take up to six weeks. After having your gums reshaped, it is critical to practice good dental hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing should be very gentle until the gums have completely healed to avoid irritating the sensitive tissue. If the gums are irritated, it could cause bleeding and an infection could develop. It is recommended to use a gentle, cleansing mouth rinse which kills most germs on contact without the burn of alcohol on sensitive gums. In addition to being gentle with oral care, hard and crunchy foods should also be avoided.

Modern dental treatments offer a wide variety of possible solutions to improve both your cosmetic appearance and overall oral health. Your dentist can help you decide whether gum reshaping is right for you.

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