Marco Island Dentist Answers Your Questions About Gum Contouring
Most people know that tooth color and symmetry are critical components of a great smile. Those with straight teeth alignment and pearly white coloration tend to have the best smiles. However, many people don’t realize that the gum line’s appearance and positioning can also play a crucial role in smile aesthetics. For example, gums that cover too much of the teeth can make them look unusually small; in some cases, creating the appearance of children’s teeth in an adult’s mouth. Gums can also recede too far, making teeth appear unusually large. This can also expose the teeth’s roots, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
How Do Dentists Treat Gum Line Problems?
To resolve smile-impacting gum line problems, dentists turn to gum contouring. Dentists have long utilized surgical contouring to reshape people’s misshapen gums, but in recent years, laser gum contouring has emerged as the preferred method for gum reconditioning. While Island Tower Dentistry’s Dr. Jonathan Van Dyke offers cosmetic laser gum contouring at his Marco Island, Florida practice, many patients are unfamiliar with the procedure.
In fact, when Dr. Van Dyke recommends gum contouring as a cosmetic option to enhance a patient’s smile, he usually needs to follow up the recommendation by answering several questions. If you are concerned about how your gum line might be affecting your smile and are unfamiliar with the gum contouring, read on as Island Tower Dentistry answers the most frequently asked questions about the procedure.
How Do I Know If I need Gum Contouring?
Generally speaking, one’s potential need for gum contouring is an aesthetic decision made based on how one feels about the look of their smile. In some cases, a patient might not realize the extent to which gum line issues negatively impact the overall smile. In assessing the overall look of your smile, you can ask your dentist if contouring the gum line might enhance your smile. Island Tower Dentistry assesses the gum lines of its patients when it conducts a smile analysis.
What Does the Gum Contouring Procedure Involve?
Your laser gum contouring treatment at Island Tower Dentistry begins with a full assessment of your teeth and gums. Along with discussion about your aesthetic goals. Dr. Van Dyke will detail how the procedure will change the look of your teeth and gums and advise you of any potential limitations if any. If you have unresolved dental issues, such as tooth decay, you will be advised to address those issues first.
Your gum contouring procedure begins with a gentle application of numbing anesthesia on the gum areas targeted for sculpting. Once your gums are numb, Dr. Van Dyke targets the laser along the gum lines to sculpt them to the desired shape and symmetry. The procedure is typically performed within an hour or so, and you will be able to notice the results when it’s done.
How Much Pain and Discomfort Does the Procedure Cause?
You might experience some discomfort and pain during the procedure. Though the numbing agents we will use on your gums should be mitigated this. For those with exceptionally low pain thresholds, or those who experience overwhelming anxiety when facing dental work, we offer oral conscious sedation.
While there is no downtime, and you can return to your normal daily activities after leaving our dental offices, you will likely experience some pain and swelling for a few days to a week after the procedure. You may also need to adjust your diet for a couple of days by only eating soft-food items.
Why is Laser Gum Contouring Better Than Traditional Surgery?
Among the benefits of laser gum contouring over the traditional surgical method with a scalpel are:
- More surgically accurate
- Creates a more even gum line
- Causes less discomfort
- Less bleeding during the procedure
- Reduces the potential need for sutures
- Faster recovery time with less discomfort and bleeding
Learn More About Gum Contouring at Island Tower Dentistry
Dr. Van Dyke offers laser gun contouring as a stand-alone procedure or can include it as part of a smile makeover. To learn more about our practice’s cosmetic dentistry options, or address other specific oral health issues, contact Island Tower Dentistry today at 239-394-1004.