Gum Contouring In Lymington
At The Smiles Studio, we provide Gum Reshaping, a cosmetic procedure designed to alter the contours of your gums and improve the appearance of your smile.
Gum Reshaping
Gum Reshaping
If you feel that your gums are too prominent when you smile, it can impact your confidence. At The Smiles Studio, we provide a range of treatments designed to help you achieve a smile you’re proud of, boosting your self-esteem.
After a thorough assessment, our skilled dental team will recommend the most suitable treatment tailored to your individual needs.
What Is Gum Contouring?
What Is Gum Contouring?
- Gum contouring, or gingival sculpting, is a procedure that involves the removal of excess gum tissue and reshaping the gumline. Although often performed for cosmetic reasons, this treatment can also have functional benefits, particularly if an overabundance of gum tissue interferes with proper biting or chewing.
- A 'gummy smile' can result from factors like gum inflammation or as a side effect of certain medications. For individuals with periodontal disease, gum contouring might be considered as part of their treatment plan. However, dentists generally prefer to address gum disease with non-surgical methods first. These may include antibiotics to combat infection and bacteria or comprehensive dental cleanings to enhance gum health.
- People with these conditions are at higher risk for infections, which could lead to gingivitis or even tooth loss. As such, gum contouring might be essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for maintaining oral health.
- The gum contouring procedure is usually carried out in the dentist's practice and often completed in just one visit.
- At The Smiles Studio, we offer various treatments to address gummy smiles, including:
- Surgical gum lifts
- Botox
The Aesthetic Advantages of Gum Contouring
- Improves Smile Appearance: Gum contouring can enhance your smile by revealing more of your tooth crowns and removing excess gum tissue that might be visible above your teeth. This leads to a more vibrant and harmonised smile.
- Corrects Receding Gumlines: If your gumline appears unusually high due to gum recession, this procedure can address the issue. This not only improves the look of your smile but also helps prevent tooth decay and identifies potential problems like periodontal disease or bone loss.
- Achieves Symmetry: Gum contouring helps to balance out uneven gum levels, contributing to a straighter and more symmetrical smile.
Health Benefits
Health Benefits
Excess gum tissue can sometimes pose a health risk by trapping food particles, which increases the likelihood of tooth decay. Individuals with this condition often experience gum irritation and have a higher susceptibility to periodontal disease or gingivitis.
To address these issues, gum reshaping might be recommended before undergoing treatments like pocket reduction, crown lengthening, or other regenerative procedures.
- By lowering the gumline, the risk of tooth decay and periodontal complications is reduced, helping to maintain your dental health and keeping your teeth in optimal condition for longer.
Book Your Initial Consultation
Begin your personalised smile transformation at The Smiles Studio. Schedule your consultation with us today, and together, we’ll explore the treatment options that can help you achieve your ideal smile!
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Is it invasive?
- Although the procedure is mostly painless, some patients might experience slight discomfort afterwards. Your dentist may recommend a painkiller to aid in recovery, though aspirin is often avoided due to its potential to increase bleeding.
- Healing times can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on individual factors and the complexity of the procedure.
- Before starting, a local anaesthetic will be administered to numb your gums, ensuring you feel no pain during the treatment. However, you might notice some tenderness and residual numbness as the anaesthetic wears off.
- The degree of discomfort will depend on how much gum tissue was reshaped or removed. To minimise pain and swelling, applying an ice pack or cold compress to your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes at intervals during the first couple of days is advised.
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How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Gum contouring is generally a brief procedure, typically lasting between 1 to 2 hours. Unlike some other cosmetic dental treatments, it usually only requires a single visit and involves a relatively short recovery period. It’s important to note that gum contouring is a permanent solution, as the tissue removed during the procedure does not regenerate.
Aftercare: Gum Contouring
Aftercare: Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a minimally invasive procedure with typically minimal downtime. However, complete recovery can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the procedure’s extent. You might need to restrict certain activities for a day or two, based on how you feel and any tenderness you experience.
In contrast to extractions or wisdom tooth removals, gum contouring affects relatively less tissue, thus reducing the likelihood of irritation from certain foods. Nevertheless, it’s wise to avoid:
- Small seeds such as poppy, sunflower and chia seeds, as well as seedy fruits like kiwi and raspberries.
- Crunchy foods like crisps or popcorn.
- Hard foods requiring significant biting force or that may break into sharp pieces, such as hard sweets, crackers and pretzels.
- Spicy or highly acidic foods and drinks, including hot sauce and lemonade, which can irritate the gums.
To help manage sensitivity or tenderness, stick to soft, cool foods for the first 2 to 3 days post-procedure. Suitable options include:
- Soup (ensure it’s not too hot)
- Yoghurt
- Applesauce
- Jelly
You will receive specific dietary instructions after your procedure, and a follow-up appointment will be arranged within a few days to a week. At this visit, your dentist will assess the healing of your gums and check for any signs of infection.
An antibiotic mouth rinse might be prescribed to help prevent infection. Look out for symptoms such as increased pain, swelling, or discharge from the gums.
Oral Hygiene for Optimal Recovery
- Brush your teeth gently with an extra-soft toothbrush.
- Use a flossing tool or pre-strung picks once daily to minimise pressure on the sensitive gum tissue.
- Avoid using toothpicks.
- Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
How Much Does it Cost to Reshape Your Gums?
How Much Does it Cost to Reshape Your Gums?
- Please refer to our Fees page.
- In a consultation with us, the best possible treatment for your gums will be discussed with you.
Gum Reshaping at Mouth Dental
Gum Contouring at The Smiles Studio
- At The Smiles Studio, our team of professionals are well-versed in all dental procedures. Our main goal is to help our patients achieve their best smile!
- Visit one of our practices to consult with a professional regarding the best possible treatment for your needs.
