Gummy Smile and Gum Contouring
Gum Contouring
Gummy Smile and Gum Contouring Columbus, OH
Gum contouring is cosmetic procedure that is used to change the shape of your gums. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry can use this procedure to cut away any excessive gum tissue that is giving you a gummy smile or to restore gum tissue that has receded and is now exposing too much of your teeth.
Enjoying a healthy smile is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because it affects your self-esteem, and your self-confidence. Procedures such as gum contouring are possible because of continued advancements with modern dental technology.
At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of gum contouring in correcting a gummy smile.
Gum contouring is performed for therapeutic and medical purposes. You may need a gum contouring procedure to restore your gums that have receded and are now putting the health of your teeth, roots, and jawbone at risk.
SERVICES
How Gum Contouring Works
An overgrowth of gum tissue can be corrected through gum contouring, sometimes called esthetic gingival recontouring. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will begin by administering a local anesthetic and then will use a laser or a surgical scalpel to shape a new, more uniform gumline. Reshaped gums can also often become healthier, since the pocket depths of spaces between the gums and teeth are made shallower and therefore easier to keep clean.
If simple gum contouring is not enough, we could go deeper with crown lengthening. In this procedure, part of your gum and some of the underlying bone is removed to change the anatomy of your teeth. Since this minor surgery involves altering bone and usually requires sutures, your recovery is typically longer.
Treatment of gum recession is usually accomplished by grafting your own gum tissue from a nearby tooth or part of the palate. We might also use highly processed, sterile donor tissue. Besides the improvement to your smile, correcting your gum coverage also protects your roots from tooth decay.
Are You a Candidate for Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring might be a personal decision based on how you perceive your gums. If your gums are uneven, or they cover too much or too little of your teeth, then you may be a good candidate for gum contouring.
Gum shaping and gum contouring are often interchangeable terms. Both are excellent options to improve gummy smiles and improve your overall gum health. Any risk is minimal.
The Cost of Your Gum Contouring
The cost of your gum contouring will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
The Healing Process following a Gum Contouring Procedure
Some gum surgeries might require you to wear a dressing over the surgical site for a week or two. You may experience some minor discomfort, swelling, or tooth sensitivity, but these symptoms will go away as your new gumline heals. We will ask you to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and using a straw. Always follow our instructions for brushing, using medication, or eating certain foods as you recover.
Your healing process will also depend on the type of tools East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry use to complete the procedure. If we use a surgical scalpel for your gum contouring, sutures are necessary and there will be more irritation. We may use a dental laser to treat the gums without cutting or sutures, decreasing your recovery time. You might experience some swelling and discomfort. You can manage these by applying ice packs to your face for 15 minutes at a time and using an over-the-counter pain medication. There will be some suggested diet restrictions. We will advise you to stick with a soft diet of yogurt, soup, ice cream, pudding, etc. for a few days. We will schedule a follow-up visit. We will examine the gums to determine if everything is healing properly. If so, we will let you know when you can return to your normal dietary habits. We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse to combat any potential infection, and when you do brush your teeth, you must do so gently and carefully.
Is Gum Contouring a Cosmetic Procedure for a Gummy Smile or are there Medical Reasons?
Gum contouring is for both depending on your objectives. If you are seeing us because you suffer from gum disease, we will first examine you to confirm the condition, discuss your options, and then work our plan to eliminate the disease. You may very well need a gum contouring procedure to restore gums that have receded. Gum contouring and grafting can help save your teeth.
Usually gum recession is caused by gum disease, but you can also experience this from aggressive tooth brushing, taking a prescription drug, or even your genetics. In this case, as with gum disease, restoring your gum tissue may become necessary for your optimum oral health.
Your gums may be healthy, and you wish to pursue gum contouring because you have a gummy smile. At this point the procedure is indeed purely cosmetic.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork. We will work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.