Are your gums receding? Or are they too long? Or uneven? Have a ‘gummy smile?’ If so, you may be a candidate for gum contouring (gingival sculpting) at Southern Colorado Periodontics & Implants (SoCO Perio) in Colorado Springs, CO. Our periodontist, Dr. Justin Tullis, has specialized training to surgically add, shape, or remove gum to obtain an esthetically pleasing gum line.
Gum contouring aims to help create a more traditional gumline, thereby making teeth more secure. In addition to making healthier gums, contouring also provides aesthetic benefits for many patients. This procedure is typically straightforward, with a rapid recovery time and minimal complications.
To determine if gum contouring is right for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the outcome expectations and risks of the procedure, as well as have your questions answered. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!
Schedule your gum contouring consultation at SoCO Perio today:
What is gum contouring?
Also known as gingival sculpting, gum contouring is a dental procedure that alters 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.
Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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, helping to stabilize your teeth and maintain their position.
Reasons for 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 effective?
In most cases, gum contouring is an effective and minimally invasive way to address 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 anesthesia during the procedure and provide you with painkillers afterward, so discomfort is minimal. Recovery is fairly fast, so that most patients can return to a regular diet within a week or so. Furthermore, there aren’t any complex care instructions. You typically only need to follow basic oral hygiene guidelines.
Are there risks?
Although most people are satisfied with their gum contouring results, it can also 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, your results may disappear over time. If you take certain prescription medications that cause gum growth, the excess tissue may return. If you’ve been dealing with gum disease, future disease could make your gums recede again.
Does insurance cover the procedure?
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 and contouring procedures if they are performed 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.
Why see a periodontist?
When you plan to get contouring, it is essential to receive the correct type of care. Some general dentists may offer contouring in their office. However, getting contouring from a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist may be a bad idea. Whenever possible, it is a better idea to go to a periodontist.
Periodontists undergo years of additional training in 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? Schedule your consultation at SoCO Perio now.