For those patients with a “gummy” smile, Pittsford Smiles Dental has a state-of-the-art treatment.
Fairport, Pittsford, and Rochester, NY
We use our precise dental laser to perform gum recontouring, a procedure for correcting gums that appear too high or too low.
Who can benefit from gum recontouring?
Do your gums cover a significant portion of your teeth? This problem creates what is commonly referred to as a “gummy” smile, which can make people feel self-conscious about the way they look. The same applies to individuals with receding gums, which may reveal too much of their teeth.
The advantages of laser gum recontouring
Dentistry is a science that continues to evolve. In the past, gum procedures involved cutting directly into the tissue with a scalpel. This type of treatment was lengthy and lead to a longer recovery period with a higher level of discomfort.
Laser recontouring, on the other hand, is much less invasive. It works much more quickly than using a scalpel, which means less time in the dental chair. Plus, we can treat multiple teeth at once.
Any pain after the procedure typically can be managed with over-the-counter remedies such as Ibuprofen.
Bleeding is minimal because the laser immediately cauterizes the wound after making the incision, meaning the recovery time is reduced significantly.
Post-procedure care
A diet of soft and cool foods is recommended for at least a week after undergoing a gum recontouring procedure. After that, normal eating and drinking can resume. We also recommend the use of an oral hygiene rinse to help keep the gums clean.
Following your procedure, the dentist will provide you with precise instructions for your post-op care.
FAQs
Gum recontouring is a cosmetic procedure that is performed in order to reshape gums that are too high or too low. Also known as gum reshaping, the procedure is an effective way of evening out a gum line and improving the overall appearance of one’s smile.
There are a number of factors that can cause uneven gums. In many cases, genetics play a role, while various health problems and medications can also cause unevenness. Gums that are too high can be caused by gum recession, which occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth and exposes the root. Gum recession can make teeth appear long, and besides being a cosmetic concern, it can also be a sign of periodontal disease.
Before you undergo the gum recontouring procedure, your doctor will explain the steps of the surgery, and use a special pen to mark the new gum line. This will allow you to see exactly how much of your gum will be removed, and you will be able to get a sense of how your gum line will be reshaped.
The Pittsford Dental difference
Laser gum recontouring is a complex procedure that requires special training and equipment. Pittsford Smiles Dental prides itself on being able to perform this state-of-the-art procedure. If you want to learn more, call our Pittsford, NY, office today at (585) 248-2575 to schedule a consultation.
Pittsford Smiles Dental proudly provides total oral health care to patients in the areas of Fairport, Pittsford, and Rochester, NY.
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