Overview
The gumline is an important part of the appearance and oral health that serves to frame the teeth, or the focal point of your smile. An overabundance of gum tissue surrounding the front teeth often causes the appearance of a gummy smile, creating an unbalanced look between the teeth and gums while receded gum tissues create an aging and often uneven look for the grin. Both of these conditions leave many patients feeling self-conscious over their appearance. At PDA Dental, our exceptional periodontist and clinical team are pleased to offer gum contouring procedures to reshape and cosmetically sculpt your gumline for a more appealing, balanced smile. Using the latest technology, we can gently eliminate overgrown tissue from around the teeth to reveal more tooth enamel or replenish receded areas for a healthier, more attractive appeal. While gum contouring is a cosmetic periodontal surgery procedure, it also serves to reduce areas under the gums where disease-causing bacteria hide. Enjoy the healthy, gorgeous smile you have always wanted with a gum contouring procedure from our state-of-the-art practice located in the Financial District, Lower Manhattan, NY.
Gum Contouring Reviews
Best Candidates
You may be a great candidate for gum contouring if you have an uneven gumline from gum recession or your gum tissues cover too much of your front teeth, giving the appearance of a disproportionate grin. Excess or hyperplastic (overgrown) gum tissue may be the result of genetics, orthodontic treatment, medications, or inflamed tissues from gum disease while gum recession is commonly caused by periodontitis, teeth grinding, or tooth misalignment. Gum contouring with our experienced periodontist can enhance your oral health and appearance, transforming the look of short teeth or long teeth and improving the ratio of gum to teeth in the smile zone.
What to Expect
PDA Dental strives to make patient care as minimally invasive and comfortable as possible. Before your gum contouring and reshaping procedure, we will numb your gum tissues for comfort and then use our advanced BIOLASE WaterLase soft tissue laser to excise excess of overabundant tissue from your gumline. Using this laser technology allows us to gently and precisely resculpt and lift the gumline until the appearance of healthy, balanced gums that evenly frame longer-looking teeth is created. Our soft tissue laser cauterizes the gums as it works, minimizing bleeding and initiating the healing process.
If your gum contouring procedure involves reshaping the gumline to replenish receded tissues, our periodontist will use advanced grafting techniques and healthy tissue samples to return your gums to an even appearance. Your newly positioned gum tissues will be sutured in place and given time to heal, after which they will blend seamlessly with your existing gums to reveal a healthy, attractive gumline.
Recovery
Since the use of lasers typically requires no incisions or sutures, discomfort and downtime following many gum contouring procedures are generally minimal. However, the recovery period following reshaping with gum grafting may require a few weeks for your gums to fully heal. Any gum tenderness can usually be managed with nonprescription pain relievers. At the end of your procedure, you will be provided with instructions on how to best care for your mouth as your gums recover. We encourage you to attend routine dental cleaning and exam visits at PDA Dental and stick to a daily regimen of brushing and flossing. The results of your gum contouring and health of your tissues will be monitored at each of your future appointments.
Insurance Coverage
PDA Dental works with a number of PPO dental plans and will contact your provider to learn if gum contouring is a covered benefit. Our front desk team is highly knowledgeable and will help you maximize your benefits and file claims on your behalf. If any portion of your procedure remains uncovered, we can review your payment choices and provide details that may allow you to secure low-interest financing through CareCredit® plans.
Gum Contouring
If you have a gummy smile, overgrown gums, gum recession, or an uneven gumline, gum contouring with our gifted periodontist may help you gain the confident, amazing smile you have been missing. We use advanced techniques to gently resculpt and reshape the gumline to reveal a balanced, healthier, and more attractive grin. Learn more about the health and aesthetic benefits of gum contouring by schedule your visit at PDA Dental in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, NY.