Gum Recontouring – DuPont, WA
Reshaping Your Smile for an Improved Aesthetic
Oftentimes, when you are not happy with your smile, it is not your teeth that are the problem. It might be your gums that are creating an unpleasant appearance. As a result, you might think there is nothing you can do to remedy the situation, but you will be happy to learn that at DuPont Family Dentistry, there is gum recontouring in DuPont, WA. This unique cosmetic solution can trim away excess gum tissue and create a more even and beautifully symmetrical smile. To learn more about the process or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Why Choose DuPont Family Dentistry for Gum Recontouring?
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Early Appointments Available
- Knowledgeable Dental Team
What is Gum Recontouring?
The process of gum recontouring refers to the removal of excess gum tissue in your mouth. Some individuals have what is called a “gummy smile” and prefer to have less tissue showing with their smile. Others may only need removal in certain areas so that the gum line appears even. No matter the reason, gum recontouring is a safe and effective way to transform smiles.
Why is Gum Recontouring Used?
If you have any of the following, your dentist will likely suggest gum recontouring to improve your appearance:
- Protruding gums (“gummy” smile)
- “Short” teeth
- Insufficient tooth structure for proper dental crown placement
- Uneven gum line
Having good oral and overall health is necessary before moving forward with this type of cosmetic procedure, but during an initial consultation with one of our expert dental professionals, they will examine your oral cavity and determine if you are a qualified candidate for gum recontouring.
What Are the Benefits of Gum Recontouring?
While it may seem obvious that a new and improved appearance is one of the greatest benefits to gum recontouring, this process offers patients much more than just an enhanced look. If you choose to pursue this method of treatment, you can expect:
- Improved oral health – By eliminating excess gum tissue, you are lowering your risk for gum disease.
- Boosted confidence – A smile that looks good will certainly make you feel as if you can take on the world. You will finally be able to have the confidence you need and deserve.
- Additional tooth structure for restorative needs – If you need additional tooth structure to have a dental crown placed, gum recontouring will allow you to better protect a weakened tooth, thus, improving your smile and ultimately, your oral health.
How Much Does Gum Recontouring Cost?
The cost of gum recontouring depends on your case. Different factors must come into play to determine how much you can expect to budget for your new smile. Some of these include:
- How much tissue will be removed
- How much sculpting and shaping will be involved
- If any additional pre-contouring treatment is needed
- How the procedure is performed
It is unlikely that your dental insurance company will cover cosmetic procedures; however, if it is deemed necessary in any way, there may be a chance your out-of-pocket expenses could be less. You must speak with your insurance company or a member of our team to better understand your financial responsibility before agreeing to this type of procedure.
Gum Recontouring FAQs
Does gum recontouring hurt?
If you’re curious about undergoing gum recontouring in DuPont, you’re likely wondering if the procedure will be painful. You’ll be relieved to know that you should feel little-to-no discomfort during the treatment, because your dentist will begin by numbing your mouth. This will be done by injecting local anesthesia along the gumline, which begins working within minutes. After your procedure is complete, you may experience some soreness and discomfort as you heal. This can typically be remedied by taking over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol.
How long does it take to recover from gum recontouring?
After your procedure, your gums will continue to heal over the following two to three weeks. Your dentist will explain what the recovery process will be like in greater detail, as well as provide you with specific post-operative guidance. However, you should continue brushing and flossing your teeth throughout that time to prevent infection. Our cosmetic dentist in DuPont also recommends avoiding foods that are crunchy, hard, spicy, or have seeds in them until your healing process is complete.
Is gum recontouring permanent?
One of the great benefits of investing in gum recontouring is that the results are permanent. This means that you won’t ever have to worry about coming back into the office for re-treatment! Once you undergo the treatment, you won’t ever have to again.
How long does the gum recontouring procedure take?
Depending on the patient’s unique situation and oral health status, gum recontouring can take between one and two hours to complete. If necessary, our team offers sedation dentistry to help you feel comfortable throughout your procedure as well as ease any anxiety or fear you may experience once you get to the office.
Do I need gum recontouring?
The best way to learn whether you could benefit from gum recontouring is to schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists in DuPont. We typically recommend this treatment for patients who are concerned with having a “gummy” smile, or where their gum tissue seems to cover a majority of their teeth. While it’s predominantly a cosmetic treatment, a different version of this procedure can also be used to help a custom dental crown fit perfectly atop a tooth by adjusting how far up the gum tissue sits on the tooth.
If we recommend this procedure, our team will explain why and discuss the benefits it has to offer!