Gum contouring is sometimes called gum reshaping, gingival contouring, or tissue sculpting. The procedure involves reshaping gum tissue by precisely trimming away the excess. In cosmetic cases, gum contouring is performed to balance the gum line for esthetic purposes.
Crown lengthening, on the other hand, is sometimes necessary prior to placing a crown. Gum pocket reduction, as part of periodontal therapy, involves gum recontouring in some cases. Also, a gum contouring procedure called a receding gum lift uses existing gum tissue (and in some situations a graft) to bring the gums back over exposed teeth roots. This treatment restores gum health and reduces sensitivity.
If you’ve been told that you need gum contouring and you’d like a second opinion, call Lakewood Dental Group today at 214-827-1885, in Dallas. In our comfortably appointed office, you’ll feel well cared for and respected. Drs. Patel and Sigurdson take great care in performing gum contouring. They’ll answer all of your questions and make sure you feel confident prior to any procedure.
Cosmetic Gum Contouring
Do you have a gummy smile? This term means that teeth appear short and stubby due to gum tissue covering much of the tooth’s crown. Gum contouring reduces the tissue to expose tooth enamel, so teeth look longer and more mature.
An uneven gumline makes a smile appear asymmetrical, and symmetry is more attractive. Sometimes one tooth looks larger or smaller than others, but the appearance is due only to an uneven gum line. The teeth themselves are proportionate and attractive. By evening out the gum line, teeth appear more symmetrical, which polishes the overall appearance of the patient’s smile.
Crown Lengthening
If you need a dental crown, the dentist may need to reduce your gum tissue so that the restoration fits properly. The ridge of a crown should sit beneath gum tissue, and crown lengthening aids in this seating of a crown.
Gum Contouring for Periodontal Health
Gum tissue supports teeth by holding them in place within the jaw. Connective tissues on teeth roots attach to gum tissue with a strong bond. Healthy gums are imperative for tooth stability.
Plaque, hard plaque called tartar or calculus, and decaying food particles lodged between teeth will irritate the gums if teeth aren’t properly brushed and flossed every day. Poor oral health habits commonly lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, or gingivitis in its early stage, is a chronic infection that will worsen without treatment. With initial symptoms of gum disease, patients experience bleeding when brushing their teeth, and they may notice bad breath, swelling, and gum tissue discoloration. They may also see pus coming from the gums.
Ultimately, unchecked gum disease causes tooth loosening, loss, and death of both gum and jawbone tissue. To avoid these results, we need to treat gum disease as early as possible. Regular cleanings and checkups allow us to spot the warning signs of gum disease, so we can provide a deep cleaning to ward off the effects of the disease.
Gingivitis and periodontitis may require gum contouring as part of a treatment plan if gum tissue recedes. Receding gum tissue exposes teeth roots, which do not have a protective enamel coating. This makes teeth extremely sensitive to pressure and temperature changes.
A procedure called a pinhole technique is a type of gum contouring that allows the dentist to reshape and rearrange gum tissue so that it covers teeth roots. In some situations, a gum graft is also necessary, depending on how much gum tissue has been lost in recession.
Learn More About Gum Contouring
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your gums due to uneven or excessive gum tissue, cosmetic gum contouring will improve your smile. If periodontal disease or years of hard teeth brushing have caused gum recession, gum contouring can reshape your gum tissue to cover teeth roots. Dr. Patel or Dr. Sigurdson will assess your case and advise you on the best treatment options. Call our Dallas dentist’s office today at 214-827-1885 to schedule your consultation or to get answers to your questions about gum contouring.
