When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, teeth whitening is the top procedure that may come to mind. However, besides your pearly whites, the gums make a significant impact on the appearance of your smile. If your gums are too large or have receded, New York periodontal reshaping may help you achieve a better gum line. Specialists recommend the procedure to improve periodontal health, but it can also be done for cosmetic reasons.
What causes uneven gums?
Several factors can cause your gums to rest too low or too high. If you have gums that cover most parts of your teeth, your teeth appear small, or you may have a gummy smile. It may be due to taking certain prescription medications, health problems, or genetics. Gums can also recede, exposing the roots and causing your teeth to appear longer. Usually, gum recession occurs due to periodontal disease, leading to serious dental problems such as decay and tooth loss.
When is gum reshaping necessary?
Gum reshaping surgery may be part of other necessary periodontal procedures such as pocket reduction and crown lengthening. If you have receding gums, pockets form between your teeth and provide an ideal environment for the accumulation of bacteria. During periodontal gum reshaping, your oral surgeon removes the bacteria and closes the pockets to prevent future problems. Gum contouring alone is a cosmetic procedure, and most of the time, it is not medically necessary. For example, some people have their gums reshaped to get rid of a gummy smile. Typically, gum contouring is a personal decision depending on how you feel about the appearance of your gums.
How to prepare for gum reshaping
Like any other treatment, it is essential to consult with your provider to know whether you are a suitable candidate. Gum reshaping can improve the appearance of your smile, but there are factors to consider, including your oral health. If you have periodontal disease or tooth decay, your dentist may advise getting treatment for those problems before seeking cosmetic procedures. It would be best to have realistic expectations; gum reshaping makes your teeth appear larger or smaller when you move the gum line. It does not impact the color, shape, or position of your teeth.
What happens during gum reshaping?
Currently, there are different approaches for gum reshaping, including using lasers, scalpels, and radiosurgery. The technique your dentist uses depends on your situation. Your dental professional may use a laser to reshape the gums and cauterize the tissue to create the ideal shape and prevent bleeding. Lasers can also eliminate the pockets that trap bacteria, preventing future periodontitis. Before surgery, the dentists go over the procedure; using a pen, your provider marks the new gum line to see exactly how the gum will be contoured or how much gum will be excised. Your dentist numbs the treatment area with a local anesthetic, and sometimes bone at the front of your roots may be removed for the best results.
If your gums rest too high or too low, reserve a session today with your dental professional at 286 Madison Dental for gum reshaping to transform your smile.
