Are your gums getting in the way of your smile? Let's talk about Gum Contouring

Sometimes when we smile, we see more gums than teeth, right? Or the gums go up on one side and down on the other, making the smile look unbalanced. Because of problems like this, some people are afraid to smile freely and out loud. Do you have this problem too? Then this article will be very important for you.

What is Gum Contouring?

Simply put, gum contouring is a procedure performed by dentists (often periodontists) to change the appearance of your gums. Some people have too much gum tissue when they smile, which is also called a "gummy smile." This can make their teeth look small and boxy. Others have uneven gums; they are raised in some places and lowered in others.

So , what this gum contouring procedure does is remove excess gum tissue and give your smile a balanced, beautiful appearance.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

This is a cosmetic treatment. You may consider this treatment if you have the following conditions:

• Having a gummy smile.
• Having uneven gum position.
• Excessive gum growth due to wearing braces.

What happens before treatment?

Once you decide to have this treatment, you will first have a discussion with your dentist. There, you can talk about what you like about your smile and what you would like to change. You may even have photos taken of your smile and the two of you can work together to develop a treatment plan.

During this initial appointment, the doctor will thoroughly examine your mouth. This is because your oral health must be in good condition before undergoing this treatment. This means that if you have any other problems, such as cavities or gum disease, they will need to be treated first.

Then, the doctor will determine how much gum to remove by looking at the ratio of your gums to your teeth. They will also consider things like the position of your lips, the alignment of your teeth, and the bone structure of your face to create a balanced look.

Finally, the doctor will check the level of bone around each tooth. If there is too much bone around the tooth, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of it. Otherwise, the removed gum may grow back into its original position. However, this is not something everyone should do. Your doctor will explain whether this is necessary for you or not.

What happens during treatment?

Before the treatment begins, the doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb your gums. This will help you feel less pain. Some people are a little scared of this kind of thing, so if they want to, they can use sedation dentistry, which puts you to sleep. If you want to do this, talk to your doctor about it first. However, if you do, you will need to bring a friend or family member to drive you home.

After you are anesthetized, the doctor will follow these steps:

1. Use a special pen to mark where your new gum line should be.

2. Next, the excess gum tissue is removed. This is done either traditionally with a small surgical knife (scalpel) or more modernly with a hand-controlled laser (laser).

3. Only if necessary, a very small amount of bone around the tooth is removed. (This is not necessary for everyone).

4. The remaining gum tissue is reshaped, giving it a balanced, beautiful appearance.

5. If necessary, two dissolvable stitches are placed to control bleeding.

The entire treatment usually takes about an hour or two. This can vary depending on how many of your teeth are being treated and whether you are given ``sedation''.

What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?

As with any surgery, there are benefits and very minor risks. Let's take a look at them.

How long will it take to recover? What should I do at home?

Most people recover completely in a week or less. It depends on your body's ability to heal and the amount of treatment you received. Follow these steps to recover quickly and easily.

• Use the medication correctly: It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort after the treatment. Take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor. If you are given antibiotics to prevent infection, take them on time.
• Avoid exercise for a few days: As your heart rate increases, bleeding, swelling, and pain can increase. So, avoid going to the gym or lifting weights for the first five days.
• Keep the treated area clean: The fewer bacteria in your mouth, the faster your gums will heal. Your doctor will advise you on how to brush your teeth after treatment. They may also recommend using a special mouthwash.
• Eat soft foods: Eat things like eggs, yogurt, pasta, and well-cooked vegetables for the first few days. This gives your gums time to heal. Avoid spicy, hard, and crunchy foods for a week.

If something like this happens, call the doctor immediately!

If you experience any of these symptoms after treatment, call your dentist immediately:

• Severe pain that doesn't subside even with medication.
• Unstoppable bleeding.
• A fever higher than 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius).
• Signs of pus or infection from the treated area.

You have these questions too...

Does this hurt?

No. Your gums will be numb during the treatment, so you won't feel anything. It's normal to feel some pain after the treatment. This can be relieved with the painkillers your doctor gives you.

Are these results permanent?

Most of the time, the results of this treatment are permanent. However, very rarely, gum tissue can grow back. This usually happens if not enough extra bone under the gums is removed during treatment. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.

Is this a safe treatment?

When performed by a qualified practitioner, this is a very safe treatment. But remember, this is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. If you have cavities or gum disease, you should never have this cosmetic treatment. Consult a dentist to find out what treatment is best for you.