Gum Recontouring – Arlington, TX
Reveal Your Most Beautiful Smile with Gum Recontouring
Having excess tissue that makes your smile look too ‘gummy’ can take the focus away from your beautiful, healthy teeth, and make them appear short or stubby. Unfortunately, while you can’t make your teeth grow any longer, the good news is that you can permanently remove excess gum tissue with a treatment called gum recontouring. During this cosmetic procedure, Dr. Atluri will reshape the gums, revealing more of what you want to see (the teeth) and less of what you don’t (excess gum tissue).
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that removes excess gum tissue from the base of the teeth, revealing more of their natural structure and making your smile appear broader and brighter. It is ideal for patients who have a ‘gummy’ smile or feel as though their teeth are too short or stubby.
How Does Gum Recontouring Work?
Gum recontouring works by removing excess gum tissue along the base of the top front teeth so that more of the natural tooth structure is visible when you smile. The results not only look natural and aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also permanent, so you shouldn’t need to repeat treatment.
The Benefits of Gum Recontouring
Gum recontouring can be done to solve a variety of problems including a gummy smile, teeth that appear too small or stubby, gums that are prone to infection, and even to make the smile more symmetrical.
Because this treatment will permanently remove some excess gum tissue, it may even make it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy, thereby reducing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Gum Recontouring FAQs
Does gum recontouring hurt?
Gum recontouring in Arlington is considered to be a mild, noninvasive treatment, and most patients find the procedure to be no more painful than getting a filling. Rest assured, our dental cosmetic team will administer a local anesthetic that will effectively numb your mouth. You may experience some oral soreness once the anesthetic wears off at home but shouldn’t feel outright pain during your treatment.
How long will it take to recover from gum recontouring?
It typically takes up to two weeks to completely recover from gum recontouring, though you’ll likely feel “back to normal” in just a few days. Your gums will be the most sensitive during the first 48 hours after your treatment, and we strongly recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary. It’s more difficult to rest, relax, and let your body heal when you’re uncomfortable. To avoid triggering further sensitivity, stick to eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, cooked pasta, and smoothies.
If bleeding, swelling, or discomfort becomes severe or lasts longer than expected, contact us right away. You could be experiencing a complication that needs to be addressed promptly.
Does dental insurance cover gum recontouring?
It depends on your unique situation and your individual dental insurance policy.
When used strictly for cosmetic purposes, most dental insurance plans do not cover any of the costs associated with gum recontouring. However, if gum recontouring is a necessary part of addressing an active case of gum disease, your dental insurance is more likely to offer partial coverage.
If you’re worried about affording treatment, know that we have an in-house membership savings plan that could help you save money, and accept monthly payment plans from CareCredit and Sunbit. Our team would be happy to discuss your financial options in more depth during your consultation.
Are there any side effects of gum recontouring?
The most common side effects of gum recontouring are the temporary bleeding, swelling, and soreness mentioned earlier. Like with nearly all medical procedures, there is a small risk of infection, and that risk increases if you don’t follow your aftercare instructions. The treatment itself, though, is extremely safe, and you shouldn’t be overly concerned about negative long-term effects.
How should I care for my gums after treatment?
Every patient is a little different, and we’ll personalize your aftercare instructions to account for your unique situation. That said, there are a few things we tell everyone to do! Here are our general tips:
- Continue to brush and floss but move carefully and be gentle as you go.
- Avoid strenuous activities, as they can increase bleeding.
- Get plenty of rest to help promote healing.
- Maintain a soft food diet while your gums are still sensitive.
- If prescribed antibiotics, finish out the dose even after you start feeling better. Otherwise, they may not be effective.