Not everyone has the same gumline: some have high, others have low, and some have in-between. Some gumlines are uneven. If you are self-conscious about your gum line, you should consider gum contouring.
When it comes to modifying your gumline, one of your treatment options is gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty. Sometimes your dentist will recommend it, especially if you have a gum problem that is affecting your dental health.
But what exactly does gum contouring entail? In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of gum contouring and whether it’s a safe treatment option.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring is a dental procedure for reshaping or resculpting your gumline. The excess gum tissue around your teeth is cut or removed during this surgery. This technique will restore your gum tissue if you have gum recession. It is not always medically essential, however, it can improve the appearance of your gums. If you have a gum problem that is affecting your oral health, your dentist may recommend gum contouring.
When is it medically necessary?
Many people choose gum contouring for cosmetic reasons, but some undertake it for medicinal reasons. If you have periodontal disease, gum contouring may be the treatment for you. However, before proceeding with gum contouring, your dentist will explore nonsurgical treatments to treat your gum disease.
Antibiotics to eliminate germs and infections or dental cleanings to restore the health of your gums are examples of non-surgical therapies. If these non-surgical techniques fail to save your tooth, your dentist may recommend a treatment option such as pocket reduction surgery on the gums. A regeneration surgery may also be required to repair the injured bones and gum tissue.
Gum contouring may be included in these operations, and if so, your dental insurance will reimburse the cost (if deemed medically necessary). You should check with your dental insurance provider to see what is covered and if there are any additional costs.
What are the benefits of gum contouring?
Gum contouring is a transformative technique with numerous aesthetic advantages. Here are some of them:
1. It removes excess gum tissue
Gum contouring is a treatment option for those with excessive gum tissue reaching their teeth. Your dentist exposes more of the surfaces of your teeth by carefully removing this gum tissue, making them appear longer and more proportional to your smile and other characteristics of your face. Excess gum tissue can make your teeth appear dirty, so reducing it with gum contouring may be your best option.
2. Even gum line
People who have jagged, uneven gum lines might consider gum contouring to achieve more uniform gum lines. Uneven gum lines make your teeth look unhealthy or crooked, which can impact your smile. Your dentist can improve the appearance of your smile by reshaping your gums through gum contouring.
3. The result is permanent
Excess gum tissue does not regrow once it has been removed. When patients have gum contouring done, they can expect the effects to be permanent. On the other hand, patients who have had gum contouring must commit to keeping their gums clean and healthy to avoid further gum tissue loss due to periodontal disease.
4. Safe procedure
Gum contouring is a process that is considered to be one of the safest types of surgery. Any surgery has certain risks, but gum contouring has a very minimal risk of bleeding or infection. Before undergoing gum contouring surgery, patients must be free of gum disease. However, the recovery period should be quick and uneventful if they are in good dental health before surgery and are ready to follow all post-surgical instructions.
