Gum Reshaping

What is gum reshaping?

Gum reshaping, or gum contouring, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve the appearance of your gumline. In most cases, gum reshaping isn’t medically necessary. Sometimes, though, your provider uses gum reshaping to treat gum disease.

What happens during a gum reshaping appointment?

Dental Arts of Beverly Hills performs gum reshaping on-site as an outpatient procedure. Prior to reshaping your gums, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and mouth. 

Once the anesthesia sets in, your provider uses a soft tissue laser or handheld scalpel to resculpt your gumline and remove excess tissue. Depending on the issues being treated, your provider might also use stitches or sutures to hold your gum tissue in place.

If you have a receding gumline and need additional gum tissue, your provider can remove tissue from another area of your mouth and secure it around your teeth and receding gums with stitches. Once placed, the tissue grows back, restoring your gumline to a healthier condition.

How long does gum reshaping take?

The length of a gum reshaping appointment varies from person to person and depends on the issues being treated. If you only need minor sculpting, you might finish in one hour. More extensive treatments can take 2-3 hours or longer.

What is the recovery process like after gum reshaping?

Following gum reshaping surgery, Dental Arts of Beverly Hills sends you home with a list of recovery instructions. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for your mouth to heal completely. If you experience any pain or tenderness, you may need to take a day or two off of work.

In the first few days after your gum reshaping appointment, it’s important to eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce. 

You’ll also need to attend a follow-up appointment about a week after your procedure. During a follow-up, your provider monitors your progress and looks for signs of infection. 

Don’t let a receding gumline or gummy smile prevent you from living confidently. To see if you’re a candidate for gum reshaping, schedule an appointment at Dental Arts of Beverly Hills. Call the office or book online today.