Are your gums receding? Or are they too long? Or uneven? If so, you may be a candidate for gum contouring (gingival sculpting). And likely, you’d see a periodontist to have your gums contoured. Periodontists have specialized training to surgically add, shape, or remove gum to obtain an esthetically pleasing gum line.
To learn if gum contouring is right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation at SOCO Periodontics & Implants, here in Colorado Springs, CO. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!
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Keep reading to learn more about gingival sculpting …
Gum contouring helps create a more traditional gumline, so teeth are more secure. In addition to creating healthier gums, contouring also provides aesthetic benefits for many patients. This procedure is usually very simple, with a fast recovery time and minimal complications.
Everything You Should Know About Gum Contouring
If you’re unhappy with the look or shape of your gums, your doctor might recommend contouring. Before you decide on this treatment, it’s a good idea to learn a little more about how it works. Our helpful guide will answer all the questions you might have before the procedure.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Also called gingival sculpting, contouring is a dental procedure that changes the shape of your gum line. There are many techniques involved in contouring. Often, contouring involves removing extra gum tissue. This is an elective, cosmetic procedure that helps to fix a gummy looking smile. Many techniques can help contour gums, including surgical incisions, lasers, and electrocautery.
In many cases, gum contouring can also include grafting. Grafting involves adding extra tissue to the gumline. This can help fix receding gums. The tissue usually comes from the roof or cheeks of the mouth. Over time, the grafted tissue integrates with your existing gums and helps to stabilize your teeth.
Reasons You Might Need Gum Contouring
Gum contouring can fix a variety of issues. Here are some of the reasons a person might decide to get gum contouring:
- You have gums that are too long, so your teeth look short and square.
- You have deep pockets of baggy gum tissue after periodontal treatment.
- Your gums are severely receded, leading to loose teeth.
- You have uneven gums that make your smile look crooked.
- You are unhappy or self conscious about the shape of your gums.
What Are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring comes with all sorts of perks, including:
- You can feel more confident in your smile.
- Your gums may be easier to care for and clean
- Your gums hold your teeth more firmly, so they’re less likely to get loose.
- You can get your former smile back after suffering from gum disease
- You get a more traditionally aesthetic look.
Is Contouring Actually Effective?
In most cases, gum contouring is an effective, minimally invasive way of dealing with gum problems. There is a very low chance of gums returning to their normal shape, but this is quite rare and typically takes years to occur. Despite this risk, patient satisfaction rates for gum contouring are usually quite high, hovering in the 90 percent range.
Most patients are satisfied with their gum contouring procedure because it is simple and easy. Your dentist will use an anesthesia during the procedure and give you painkillers after, so discomfort is minimal. Recovery is fairly fast, so most patients can return to a normal diet within a week or so. Furthermore, there aren’t any complex care instructions. You usually just need to follow basic oral hygiene rules.
Are There Any Gum Contouring Risks?
Though most people are happy with their gum contouring results, it can come with some potential risks. The main issues are just risks associated with the treatment itself. Any time you have a surgical procedure, you risk having an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Since incisions are involved, you also risk infection following the procedure.
Another rare side effect to be aware of is relapse. In some cases, it may be possible for your results to disappear over time. If you take certain prescription medications that cause gum growth, excess tissue could come back. If you’ve been dealing with gum disease, future disease could make your gums recede again.
Does Insurance Cover Gum Grafting and Contouring?
Worried about gum contouring costs? Here’s what you need to know:
- Average costs in the U.S. for contouring all your front teeth can cost around $3,000.
- Dental insurance will not cover contouring if it is for cosmetic reasons.
- Usually, insurance does not cover any treatment that involves removing gum tissue.
- Insurance may cover gum grafting contouring if it is for health purposes.
- To get insurance to cover your contouring, you need a dentist to recommend it.
- Even if your insurance covers the procedure, you might have to pay a deductible, copay, or coinsurance.
Should You See a Periodontist for Contouring?
When you plan on getting contouring, it is important to get the right type of care. Some general dentists may offer contouring in their office. However, getting contouring from a cosmetic dentist or general dentist may be a bad idea. Whenever possible, it is a better idea to go to a periodontist.
Periodontists have years of extra training on gum care. They know exactly how to create healthy gums, so they provide the best possible care during your contouring. A periodontist can ensure that your contouring creates gums that are both healthy and beautiful.
Want to learn more about gum contouring? Contact Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants to schedule your consultation now.
