What is it? When needed? Prucedure? Does it hurt? Recovery?
Everyone’s gumlines are different. Some are high, some are low, some are in between. Some may even be uneven.
If you feel self-conscious about your gumline, there are ways to change it. Gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, is one of the options that can help reshape your gumline.
In some cases, your dentist may even suggest it, especially if you have issues with your gums that affect your oral health. But, what exactly does it involve?
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring is a procedure, done by a dental specialist, that reshapes or resculpts your gumline.
The process of gum contouring involves cutting away or removing excess gum tissue around your teeth. If you have gum recession, the procedure involves restoring gum tissue.
In many cases, gum contouring is an elective procedure. This means that it isn’t medically necessary. Instead, it’s done to improve the look of the gums, teeth, or smile.
But there may be times when your dentist recommends gum contouring for oral health reasons.
When is it medically necessary?
Many times, gum contouring is done for cosmetic purposes. But there are times when it may be a medical necessity.
If you have periodontal disease, gum contouring may be a treatment option. But your dentist will first try to treat the gum disease with nonsurgical options. This may include antibiotics to kill the bacteria and infection, or dental cleanings to restore gum health.
If these efforts don’t work, your dentist may recommend a treatment such as pocket reduction surgery on the gums and surrounding bone to save a tooth. Or you may need a regeneration procedure to regrow damaged bone and gum tissue.
Gum contouring might be part of these procedures. And if so, dental insurance may cover the cost, or part of it, if it’s deemed a medical necessity. You’ll need to speak with your dental insurance provider to find out what’s covered and if there are out-of-pocket expenses.
What does gum contouring involve?
Gum contouring is usually done by a periodontist or a cosmetic dentist. It’s an in-office procedure that’s typically done in one visit.
In most cases, you’ll remain awake during the procedure. Before the doctor starts, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the gum area.
During the procedure, the doctor will use a soft tissue laser or scalpel to remove excess gum tissue and resculpt the gumline to expose more of the tooth. Sutures may be used to hold the gum tissue in place.
If your gums recede and the procedure involves adding gum tissue, your doctor will remove tissue from another part of your mouth, maybe your palate. Surgery secures this tissue around your teeth to lengthen and restructure your gumline.
The length of the procedure will vary depending on the extent of the contouring and the amount of resculpting that’s needed. Generally, gum contouring takes about 1 hour
Does gum contouring hurt?
You’ll be given local anesthesia before the procedure starts. This will numb your gums so you won’t feel pain while the doctor is working on your mouth. But you can expect some tenderness and numbness afterward.
The amount of discomfort depends on how much of your gums had to be reshaped or removed.
After the surgery, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever, or you can take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
You can also reduce pain and swelling by applying an ice pack or cold compress to your mouth for a couple of days after the procedure. It’s best to apply the compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
How long is recovery?
Gum contouring involves little downtime, but complete healing might take days or weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. You may have to limit some activities for a day or two based on how you feel and any tenderness you may have.
Since your gums and mouth will likely feel sensitive or tender at first, you’ll want to eat soft foods for about 2 to 3 days after the procedure. This might include foods such as:
- soup
- yogurt
- applesauce
- Jell-O
Your doctor will provide post-surgery dietary instructions and will also let you know if there are any foods to avoid while you’re recovering.
You’ll typically have a follow-up appointment a few days or a week after the procedure. Your doctor will check your gums to monitor how you’re healing and look for signs of an infection.
They may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Signs of infection include increased pain and swelling and discharge from the gums.