Is Gum Contouring Right for You?
Your smile is an invaluable asset. An asset that belongs to you and you alone. If you think your smile is not perfect, it might have a negative effect on your self-esteem and your self-confidence. Your smile just might be a foundational component of your mental health. You might look in the mirror, and when the natural reflex to smile parts your lips, you see more gum tissue than the white enamel of your teeth. When these proportions are out of balance, this is usually called a gummy smile. There are no functional issues, just cosmetic perception.
A Definition of a Gummy Smile
The standards for a natural smile claim that you should show two to three millimeters of soft tissue. If you think you have a gummy smile, you could see more than four millimeters of gum. This makes your teeth look short and stubby in proportion. Often, this is a genetic issue that can easily be resolved. Occasionally, it could be the result of a health issue or certain prescription drugs.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
Most often, the gum contouring procedure is purely cosmetic and not required from a medical point of view. Sometimes patients might undergo gum contouring as part of a periodontal procedure, like the reduction of sagging pockets around some teeth, the lengthening of a tooth’s crown, addressing tooth decay, or tooth loss and gingival infections. Gum contouring to improve your smile is a simple procedure. The soft tissue is first numbed with a local anesthetic, and then either a surgical scapula or dental laser is used to trim off the excess soft tissue, exposing more of the tooth. The dentist will exercise care and caution to not expose the root.
The Healing Process
Gum tissue heals quickly. You can expect to have sore gums, even some minor swelling. Sometimes the teeth involved could be more sensitive for several days. Your dentist will give you recovery instructions when sending you home. It might involve avoiding smoking or avoiding alcohol. It could suggest soft foods for a couple of days. Any recovery issues depend on the amount of gum contouring and reshaping that was performed. It is also an opportunity to improve your oral hygiene habits. Good habits that will carry forward to maintain your healthy teeth and gums.
Gum Contouring is about Perception
A gummy smile and the perception of that smile vary from person to person. You can look in the mirror and decide if you wish to pursue gum contouring. As simple and easy as the procedure is, it does deliver immediate positive results, which transform into immediate benefits. Your smile will be far more attractive to both you and to your personal and professional circles. The health industry strongly urges that you brush your teeth and gums twice a day, for two minutes. You should exercise flossing at least once a day. If you maintain these quite simple at-home habits and see your dentist twice a year for preventative examinations and professional cleaning, your smile will be that invaluable asset that you cannot put a monetary value on.