Refine Your Smile with Gum Contouring

Many candidates for gum contouring have “gummy smiles,” meaning that excess gum tissue is hiding the natural beauty of their anterior teeth. The presence of excess gum tissue can lead to the appearance of small teeth. Dr. Turner can effectively lengthen the visible portion of your forward-facing teeth by artfully removing small amounts of excess gum tissue. 

On the other hand, many candidates for this straightforward cosmetic treatment suffer from uneven gum lines. The shape of our gum tissue is determined by genetics, aggressive brushing, or other factors. Dr. Turner always takes a conservative approach to cosmetic treatments, meaning that he will remove the smallest amount of gum tissue possible to deliver the most transformative cosmetic results.

During your cosmetic consultation at our Kansas City dental practice, Dr. Turner will listen to your aesthetic goals before determining if you are a good candidate for gum contouring. As with any elective surgery, candidates for this procedure should be in good oral health and free of gum disease. We can address any underlying conditions to improve your eligibility for treatment.

Gum contouring can reveal a bigger, brighter smile in one appointment.

Gum contouring delivers dramatic cosmetic results without the need for altering the natural structure of your teeth. Alternative cosmetic treatments, like veneers and dental crowns, require the removal of enamel. Gum contouring is considered a minor surgery that requires a relatively short recovery time. In fact, most patients are able to return to work the day after treatment, and complications are rare.

Gum contouring delivers dramatic cosmetic results without the need for altering the natural structure of your teeth. 

Patients who undergo gum contouring at our Kansas City dental practice can benefit from:

• A more attractive smile
• Removal of excess gum tissue
• Low risk of side effects
• A more even gum line
• Lifelong cosmetic benefits
• A customizable treatment

Is Gum Contouring Necessary?

Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure. Often, the treatment is not medically necessary. Patients who elect to undergo gum contouring are seeking a more cosmetically pleasing smile that can have real benefits when it comes to personal, professional, and romantic relationships.

However, gum contouring can have oral health benefits. Decreasing the amount of tissue overlap can help make the teeth easier to clean and maintain. Gum treatments such as grafting can also be performed to address gum recession, which can result from advanced periodontitis.

Before your treatment begins, Dr. Turner or a member of our team will numb your gums with a topical anesthetic. Our office always strives to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Turner will use a surgical scalpel to precisely remove very small amounts of excess gum tissue. Following treatment, you will be released to return home to rest. If you received sedation, you will need to arrange for a ride home with a friend or family member. 

Aftercare and Recovery

We recommend that patients rest for a full day following their gum contouring procedure. Most patients can return to work the day after surgery. Individual healing times will vary from patient to patient but most will completely heal after a week or two. Dr. Turner will provide you with detailed recovery guidelines that should be followed closely.

Most discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Please follow Dr. Turner’s advice regarding medication choices. In the days following treatment, patients should stick with soft foods, such as eggs, pasta, yogurt, steamed vegetables, and ice cream. Hard or spicy foods can aggravate sensitive gums if they have not fully healed. Dr. Turner or a member of the staff at our Kansas City office will be glad to answer your questions along the way. If you notice unexpected swelling or bleeding, please let a member of our dental team know right away.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks for side effects and complications. By working with an experienced doctor like Dr. Turner, who has practiced dentistry since 1991, you can lower your risk for complications. Minor swelling, redness, and mild discomfort are common side effects that patients experience following gum contouring. By carefully following the recovery guidelines and using caution when brushing, you can significantly reduce your risk for discomfort and other effects.

Final Results

After one or two weeks, most of the swelling should have subsided and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your new smile. Patients should take extra care to prevent gum disease, which can lead to gum recession and the reversal of the aesthetic results that you have worked for. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office twice-a-year for regular checkups and exams are great ways to ensure that you enjoy your new smile for many years to come.

During your cosmetic consultation at our Kansas City dental practice, Dr. Turner will explain the various cosmetic treatments that can be performed along with your gum contouring treatment. Your options include:

• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Dental bonding
• Invisalign®

If you can benefit from combining multiple treatments during one treatment session, you may be a good candidate for a smile makeover. A smile makeover can deliver life-changing results while saving you time and money.

Learn More at Our Practice

Gum contouring can help you smile more confidently for a lifetime. Our office accepts CareCredit® financing to help patients afford this cosmetic treatment. To schedule your gum contouring consultation, contact our Kansas City office online or call (816) 229-1433.