What is Gum Contouring: Risk and 6 Remarkable Effects

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental treatment that helps correct the gum line, improving the overall appearance of the smile. In this article, you will find information about this procedure, and you will discover what to expect during and after surgery.

Many people feel self-conscious because when they smile they show too much gum and few teeth, this condition is called a “gummy smile”, it is characterized by the fact that the teeth look much smaller compared to the size of the gum; but those who present this situation can rest assured, since it is possible to reshape the gums to show off a beautiful smile, this procedure is known as gingival contouring or gingivoplasty.

What is Gum Contouring? 

It is a type of oral surgery performed by a dentist or periodontist in which the gum line is reshaped, that is, excess gingival tissue around the teeth is removed.

This procedure can be performed on one or several teeth, using a traditional scalpel, electrocautery, or laser surgery. The dentist places local anesthesia, marks the gum, and defines how far the cut goes. He then removes the excess gum so you will see more tooth surfaces and a more even gum line, giving the impression of larger teeth.

The advantages of electrocautery and laser are that the specialist can make finer cuts, there is less bleeding and surgery and recovery time is also reduced.
Gingival contouring is often performed with other dental procedures, such as veneers and teeth whitening to achieve the most cosmetically acceptable smile for both the patient and the dentist.

Who can Perform Gingival Contouring?

The dentist will evaluate the general and oral condition of each patient to determine if he or she is a candidate for gingival contouring. Of note, this is generally a safe procedure for adults.

In most cases, this is an aesthetic procedure performed to improve the appearance of the gums and achieve a more harmonious smile in those who have enlarged gums or a gummy smile, either due to the consumption of certain medications or as a result of genetics.

When the patient presents gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, performing gingival contouring will help control the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of dental caries.y By performing the surgery, the teeth disappear or are reduced, including the “pockets” formed between the tooth and the gum that accumulate food and bacteria.

The consumption of medications such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers can cause excessive growth of the gums (gingival hyperplasia). That is why it is important to inform your dentist if you are undergoing any medical treatment and what medications you are taking to determine if gingivoplasty is the best option in your case or if a different or additional treatment is preferred.

Benefits of Gingival Contouring

Gingivoplasty has many cosmetic and oral health benefits:

1. Improves the size of the teeth concerning the size of the gums: After the procedure, the teeth will look bigger and even cleaner.

2. Self-esteem: Having a harmonious and healthy smile will help you feel better physically and emotionally.

3. Permanent results: The gum removed does not regenerate. With good oral hygiene, the results will be maintained and gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis will not appear.

4. Short procedure: Both surgery and recovery last a short time.

5. Decreases the probability of developing cavities and periodontal problems: Excess gum tissue traps food particles that are difficult to remove with brushing and flossing, leading to periodontal pockets, gum inflammation and bleeding, bone loss, tooth mobility, and cavities below the jawline. gums.

6. Safe procedure

Risks and Complications of Gingival Contouring  

Every surgical procedure carries risks and complications, in the case of gingivoplasty, these can be:  

• Tooth root exposure

• Increased tooth sensitivity

• Poor healing

• Infection

• Lack of symmetry

• Allergy to anesthesia

Postoperative Care  

Recovery time is usually between one to two weeks; You may experience a certain degree of discomfort, which varies from one patient to another. The gums and teeth likely remain sensitive to acidity and touch.

Some recommendations to keep in mind are:

• On the day of surgery, you should rest and avoid strenuous or outdoor activities.

•  Consume soft foods for 2 or 3 days, such as soup, creams, ground meat, yogurt, gelatin, and juices, among others.

• Avoid consuming spicy, acidic, or hard foods, as these can irritate, scratch, or inflame the gums.

• Use chlorhexidine rinses for a maximum of 2 weeks

• You can brush your teeth (in the surgery area)up to date following the intervention, with a specific brush that the dentist will teach you how to use.

• The dentist can prescribe antibiotics and analgesics for managing infections and pain.

• Do not take aspirin, it can cause excessive bleeding.

• Attend scheduled control appointments to verify the results of the surgery.

• In case of suppuration, redness, burning, or itching, attend an urgent consultation for review and treatment.

If the patient is in good mucogingival health before surgery and agrees to follow the care required after the intervention, the recovery will be fast, effective, and without incident.

Gingival contouring is a very good treatment from an aesthetic and oral health point of view. Those who undergo this surgery must take into account that maintaining adequate oral hygiene and consulting the dentist periodically is essential to the success of the procedure.

The risks of gingival contouring are minimal. The surgery is quite safe when performed by the right professional. If you notice your gums are very large and/or your teeth are very small – and you think you need gingivoplasty – ask your dentist if you are a candidate. The results may surprise you.

Insurance generally does not cover this surgery because it is an aesthetic procedure.