If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or gums, there are a variety of dental procedures that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, including gum contouring surgery. This procedure is often used to treat gum recession, a dental condition that causes the gums to recede and can make the teeth appear longer. Generally speaking, gum recession is a byproduct of periodontitis (gum disease), which causes the supporting structures of the teeth to deteriorate over time. Gum contouring can also be performed as a cosmetic procedure for those who are interested in improving the appearance of their gums and teeth, which are otherwise healthy. In this article, we will take a closer look at the costs and risks associated with gum contouring. Also, we will go over what you can expect during your procedure.
Is Gum Contouring Necessary?
While gum contouring is generally done for cosmetic purposes, it is often used to resolve many of the problems that are caused by gum disease like large gum pockets, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The procedure is also effective in periodontal regenerative procedures as well. As it pertains to periodontal disease, gum contouring is an integral part of improving not only the appearance but also the structural integrity to the teeth.
Along with reducing gum pockets, gum contouring is used to trim excess gum tissue that may be covering the tooth crown. It is also used to reshape the gums, which goes a long way toward improving symmetry and overall gum appearance. From a purely cosmetic standpoint, gum contouring is a great way to resolve overgrown gum tissue that covers a significant portion of a tooth, causing it to appear disproportionately smaller than other teeth. All in all, this procedure is intended to help even out a patient’s gum line while improving gum health and preserving their natural teeth.
Why Type Of Practitioners Perform Gum Contouring?
When it comes to gum contouring, the procedure can be performed by most general dentists as well as periodontists. As with anything having to do with your health, however, it is in your best interest to do your due diligence in finding the right practitioner for you. Once you have narrowed down your choice in prospective practitioners, you should inquire about their knowledge and experience as it pertains to the procedure. In taking these steps, you can ensure that you will receive optimal results.
What To Expect Before & After Treatment
Although gum contouring is technically a surgical procedure, it is often performed in a dentist’s office after the patient has received a local anesthetic like novocaine, for example. The procedure is performed via lasers, radiosurgery, or scalpels depending upon the condition of the patient’s gums. Before the start of the treatment, your practitioner will likely go over what the procedure will entail, which is generally demarcating the new gum line as it will enable them to see how much gum tissue needs to be removed or, in cases where there is too much gum tissue, how the gum line needs to be reshaped. In some cases, the bone, which makes up the front of the tooth’s root, must also be removed as part of the gum contouring procedure.
Recovery
As with most dental procedures, you will need to take some time to recover following your gum contouring surgery. In most cases, it can take anywhere from a few days to evens weeks to fully heal. As such, it would be in your best interest to avoid overly strenuous activity as well as foods that may irritate your gums. To help speed up your healing time, here are a few helpful tips:
– Take prescription medication as prescribed by your practitioner.
– Avoid taking aspirin as it may cause excessive bleeding.
– Eat foods that do not irritate the gums like pasta, soft cheeses, yogurt, and soft vegetables, for example.
– Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily but taking care not to irritate your gums in the process.
Following gum contouring surgery, it is important to assess how well your gums are healing. If you encounter excessive bleeding or unusual swelling, you should contact your dental practitioner immediately.
How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?
The cost of a gum contouring procedure can vary from person to person depending on the condition of gums; however, most people can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $350 per tooth, according to Cost Helper Health, a consumer information and shopping resource.
Gum Contouring Risks
While there are rarely ever any complications associated with gum contouring procedures, there are some risks including
– Negative reaction to local anesthetics
– Possible gum tissue relapse
All in all, gum contouring is a relatively safe procedure that can significantly improve the look and health of your gums.
