Address Uneven or Excess Gum Tissue with Gum Contouring

The shape, size, and color of our teeth all contribute to the overall appearance of our smiles. But, for some patients, uneven or excess gum tissue can detract from an otherwise dazzling and healthy grin. Fortunately, a simple, minimally-invasive procedure known as gum contouring can remove excess gum tissue to create a more uniform and comfortable smile. 

At Villa Rica Family Dental, our compassionate dentist, Dr. Stacey McDowell, can help patients create their perfect smiles with gum contouring. Ready to see how we can improve the appearance of a gummy smile? Call our Villa Rica, GA, cosmetic dentist at (770) 459-4131 to schedule an appointment now.

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile refers to excess gingival tissue (i.e. the gums) that extends farther down the teeth. This effectively creates a lower or uneven gum line, which can make teeth appear short, stubby, or crooked.  

As a result, some patients with a gummy smile frequently feel self-conscious about the appearance of their gums and teeth. Other patients, however, experience pain and difficulty living with a gummy smile.  

Whether cosmetic or restorative, gum contouring can help you craft your perfect smile while limiting discomfort and dysfunction in your daily life.

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a minimally-invasive procedure that requires our Villa Rica dentist to trim a tiny amount of tissue from the gum line. This allows Dr. Stacey to create a new gum line stylized to your exact specifications and aesthetic. The result is a more comfortable smile with teeth that appear longer and more symmetrical.

What is the procedure like?

Although gum contouring may sound painful, our compassionate team ensures your comfort by applying numbing agents to the gums before administering local anesthesia to the treatment site.

At Villa Rica Family Dental, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. That’s why we offer other comfort options (like oral sedation or nitrous oxide) in addition to local anesthesia. If you’d like to explore your comfort options, please talk to our caring team before treatment. We will gladly help you relax into your procedure!

Once we confirm your comfort, Dr. Stacey then uses high-end tools and techniques to safely remove gingival tissue. She takes special care to remove as little tissue as possible while also creating an even, aesthetically-pleasing gum line.

After removing the excess tissue, Dr. Stacey checks and cleans the treatment area. Before releasing patients, Dr. Stacey addresses all questions and aftercare instructions.

Gum Contouring Aftercare

Healing after gum contouring can take between 10 and 14 days. To ensure a speedy recovery, patients should:

• Eat softer foods
• Gently brush at least twice a day
• Keep flossing at least once a day
• Take prescription or over-the-counter painkillers to reduce discomfort and swelling
• Rinse with saline solution or an alcohol-free mouthwash
• Avoid smoking, tobacco products, and alcohol
• Limit excessively hot or spicy foods
• Avoid high-intensity activities for 24 to 48 hours

Treat a Gummy Smile in Villa Rica, GA with Gum Contouring

Does excess gum tissue make eating, speaking, or smiling more difficult for you? You don’t have to deal with the discomfort anymore. With transformative gum contouring, our experienced team can help you get the comfortable, tailor-made smile you deserve!

Call Villa Rica Family Dental at (770) 459-4131 to schedule your appointment now.