What Is Laser Gum Contouring?

Do you have a gummy smile that makes you feel a little self-conscious when taking photos? Laser gum contouring is a unique dental treatment that can help.

This procedure uses lasers to reshape your gum line, so you can take the stress-free selfies you deserve! Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this approach, including what to expect before, during, and after the treatment.

Before Your Treatment: Evaluations and Discussions

The first step in your treatment is a visit to your dental office. At this initial evaluation, Dr. Alhadef will determine if you have a gummy smile that can be improved with gum contouring.

By “gummy smile,” we simply mean that there’s an excess of gum tissue over your teeth. Your teeth are an average length, but they are positioned beneath your gums more than usual, showing more of the gumline when you smile. Your dentist will examine your gums to assess if you’re affected by this condition, and whether laser gum contouring can help.

At this consultation, your dentist will explain how the treatment works, what to expect, and the difference that it can potentially make. You can also take a look at laser gum contouring before and after pictures for a clearer visual representation.

As you consider whether this is the right treatment for you, keep in mind that it is purely an aesthetic procedure. Fixing a gummy smile can help you feel your most confident and improve your overall quality of life. However, it is not considered a medical procedure, so review your insurance coverage before proceeding.

What About Recessed Gums?

If laser gum contouring can help treat a gummy smile, can the same tools and technologies be used to correct the opposite issue? A recessed gum line is one that is higher than normal.

Not only can this elongate the appearance of your teeth, but it can also expose their sensitive roots. Before treating recessed gums, it’s important to determine whether periodontal disease has caused the issue. If Dr. Alhadef affirms that this is the case, then you’ll need to treat that condition before moving forward with an additional aesthetic treatment.

If your receding gums are not linked to periodontal disease, then you can consider laser treatments that address their appearance. These involve grafting new gum tissue onto the areas of your mouth that need it. This tissue can come from your own body, or it can be sterile tissue from a donor.

This treatment can help restore a healthy-looking smile. It can also safeguard the roots of your teeth and make your enamel less sensitive.

During Your Treatment: The Laser Gum Contouring Process

The goal of gum contouring is to remove the excess gum tissue over your teeth, revealing more of your beautiful smile.

Before beginning treatment, Dr. Alhadef will administer a localized anesthetic at the area. This keeps you comfortable during the entire procedure. Once the anesthetic takes effect, he will then use the laser to cut away the gum tissue. This requires an expert skill, as cutting away too much tissue could expose the roots of your teeth.

The lasers we use in our office offer a more precise and intricate cut than traditional scalpels. The treatment is also much gentler, resulting in less bleeding and swelling overall.

After Your Treatment: Follow-Up and At-Home Care

You will notice results immediately after your laser gum contouring treatment. These results will become more evident over time, as your gums fully heal.

However, it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. Dr. Alhadef will detail the steps to follow once you get home to help you feel your best. This will include instructions regarding which foods you can eat and which foods to avoid.

In addition to hot and spicy foods, we also recommend steering clear of anything that has nuts, seeds, or kernels in it. These can get stuck in your gums and irritate the sensitive tissue. To heal as quickly as possible, stick to cool, soft foods that will soothe your mouth.

If you experience mild discomfort during the healing process, then over-the-counter pain medication can help, though it’s best to avoid Aspirin.

The Timeline For Healing

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline that dictates how long it will take to heal after laser gum contouring. For some people, the recovery period is as quick as a few days. For others, it can take up to a few weeks or longer.

You can speed up your recovery by following Dr. Alhadef’s instructions on at-home, post-operative care. Stick to mild foods, treat any pain as required, and get plenty of rest.

Long-Term Results to Expect

Laser gum contouring can help you feel and look your best from the inside out. Once your gums are fully healed, you can expect to feel more confident and self-assured, ready to flash your new smile at every opportunity!

Though this treatment does not offer direct oral health benefits, it can do wonders for your emotional and social health. Studies show that more than 25% of people avoid smiling in pictures because they are embarrassed about the way their teeth look.

When this treatment is complete, you won’t need to think twice when it’s selfie time. Your teeth and gums will look healthy and natural, and you’ll be ready to show them off to the world!

Learn more about laser gum contouring

Do you have a smile that you’ve always felt was too gummy? Have you been interested in learning more about available treatment options that can help?

If so, we would love to share more about how our laser gum contouring services work. As your trusted North Dallas cosmetic dentist, we’re proud to offer this state-of-the-art service for our patients. Feel free to contact our office today to schedule a consultation, and let’s take this next step together.