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A “gummy smile” can affect more than just the appearance of your smile. Disproportionately large gums are more susceptible to gum disease by creating more area for bacteria to hide. Harmful bacteria can irritate the gums ultimately leading gum disease through inflammation and infection of the gums. Gum disease can increase your risk of tooth loss, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more.
What is LASER GUM SHAPING? A Deeper Dive
Some people have a naturally gummy smile, or too much gum tissue covering their teeth. Others have a recessive gumline as a result of bone disease.
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.
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.
If you have periodontal disease, gum contouring may be a treatment option. But our Gum specialist 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, our specialist 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.
Diagnosing the Need for LASER GUM SHAPING: Signs and Symptoms
It’s commonly done to:
Fix a “gummy smile” where too much gum shows when you smile.
Even out an uneven gum line.
Make teeth appear longer by reducing excessive gum tissue.
The Procedure: What to Expect During LASER GUM SHAPING
1. Initial Consultation
What happens: You meet with your dentist to discuss your goals, like improving a gummy smile or evening out your gum line.
What they do: The dentist will examine your gums and teeth, possibly taking X-rays or photographs to assess the best approach for treatment.
2. Preparing for the Procedure
Numbing: The dentist will numb your gums using a local anaesthetic, so you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Protection: They may place a protective covering over your teeth to shield them from the laser.
3. Laser Gum Shaping
Using the laser: The dentist uses a laser to carefully reshape the gum tissue. The laser is precise, so it only removes the excess gum tissue without harming surrounding areas.
Cauterization: The laser simultaneously cauterizes (seals) the tissue as it cuts, which reduces bleeding and speeds up healing.
4. Final Touches
Adjustments: The dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure the gum line looks even and natural.
Cleaning: The area will be cleaned, and any excess tissue will be removed.
5. Healing and Results
Healing: Swelling and tenderness typically go away in a few days, and you’ll notice the final result after about a week.
Long-term care: Maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the results last and keep your gums healthy.
Technology
Laser technology allows gum contouring to be done with a precision laser to remove excess gum tissue, which can be less invasive and allow for a more comfortable recovery.
The soft-tissue diode laser typically does not cause bleeding, which means that there is no need to stitch the area with sutures after the contouring.
Dispelling Common Myths About LASER GUM SHAPING
Myth 1: Laser Dentistry Is Painful
Fact – Most patients report less pain during and after laser procedures compared to traditional methods.
Less anesthesia required: Many procedures done with lasers need little to no anesthesia.
Faster healing: Lasers can promote quicker recovery times, reducing discomfort after treatment.
Minimal bleeding: Lasers often cauterize tissues, leading to less bleeding and faster healing.
Myth 2: It’s Unsafe for Everyone
Fact- Another common myth about laser dentistry is that it’s not safe for everyone. Our team evaluates each patient’s health history and needs before recommending laser treatment.
Myth 3: Lasers Are New and Unproven
Fact – While laser technology has advanced in recent years, it has been used in dentistry for over 30 years.
Myth 4: Laser Procedures Take Longer
Fact – Another misconception is that laser procedures take longer than traditional methods. In fact, dental lasers can often shorten treatment times.
Myth 5: Dental Lasers Can Damage Teeth
Fact – precision makes laser dentistry a safe choice for many dental procedures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Laser gum reshaping is less invasive than conventional scalpel surgery. No matter which method we choose, you will have to overcome some things during recovery. You can do so by applying ice packs to your face for 15 minutes and taking Ibuprofen.
We also advise patients to refrain from eating sharp foods because they can poke, cut, and irritate your teeth. We can reassess your recovery during the follow-up appointment.
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Laser gum shaping is minimally painful. The laser is precise, so it reduces bleeding and discomfort. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area, so you should feel little to no pain during the procedure.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how much reshaping is needed.
The recovery time is relatively short. You may experience some swelling or mild discomfort for a few days, but most people can return to normal activities the same day or the next.
No, stitches are usually not needed with laser gum shaping because the laser cauterizes (seals) the tissue as it works, reducing the risk of bleeding and the need for stitches.
Side effects are rare but can include mild swelling, tenderness, or redness. These usually go away within a few days.
You’ll see immediate improvement after the procedure, with the final results fully visible after a few days to a week once any swelling or tenderness goes down
Yes, laser gum shaping is a safe, FDA-approved procedure when performed by a trained dental professional.
The results are permanent as long as you maintain good oral hygiene. However, if you have underlying issues like gum disease, it could affect the results over time.
“Welcome to Platinum Dentistry, where your smile is our top priority. Our expert team offers comprehensive dental care, specializing in general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. We are dedicated to providing personalized care with state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you need routine cleanings, braces, a root canal, or a complete smile makeover, our skilled professionals are here to ensure you receive the highest quality treatment.