Nearly all of us are born with imperfect teeth. Our teeth can be imperfectly shaped, crooked, chipped, etc. The good news is that all of these imperfections can be fixed with the help of the many dental procedures available today.

Just like teeth, jaws may also require reshaping and restructuring. Uneven jaw shape can make the teeth appear smaller and can give the face an unpleasant appearance. Gum line contouring helps making unevenly shaped and overgrown jaw more symmetrical and composed.

Other than aesthetic reasons, gumline contouring is performed for a better oral health as well. The dentist will recommend it in case there is a growing infection in the gums or if there is a risk of periodontal diseases.

Teeth examination and preparation

Before performing the gum line contouring, the dentist will thoroughly examine the gum line and jawbone for selection of suitable method. Then, the teeth will be gently cleansed and a local anaesthetic will be applied on the area of operation. Any tartar or plaque present on the inside of the gum is also removed with the help of incision.

The patient will also be asked about his or her dental health. The patient must answer truthfully for any pre-existing dental problems, infections and even allergies. This is done to avoid any complications and to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.

The procedure explained

A dental specialist or a dentist will perform the gum line contouring procedure. It takes just one office visit for completion of the treatment.

After thorough examination and cleansing, an incision is made on the palate region or the roof of the mouth. A piece of healthy gum is grafted and attached securely to the part of gum that needs shaping. The roof region of the mouth is then closed and secured and allowed to heal. The operated gum area is also stitched back. The grafted piece of gum grows in the gum line area and gradually provides a beautiful, symmetrical gum line. It should also be noted that the patient will remain awake during the procedure.

Either a gum tissue is added to the gum line or it is cut and eliminated from it to increase symmetry. A soft laser is sometimes used for removal of the gum tissue. After remove of excess of the gum tissue, the remaining gum tissue is stitched back with the help of sutures and the gum line us allowed to recover.

In both the cases, anaesthesia is provided so the patient doesn’t feel uncomfortable during the procedure.

Cost of gumline procedure

The cost of the procedure heavily depends on the condition of the teeth and gum prior to the procedure. If they are in a severely damaged condition, the procedure may cost more than usual. You may first want to discuss with your dentist about the cost and your budget before starting the procedure.

Is gumline contouring painful?

Since gumline procedure is done under the effect of local anaesthetic so the patient experiences minimal pain. This is a short and brief procedure so any discomfort the patient is feeling ends in just about a few hours. Also, when a laser is used in the procedure, the probability of pain and discomfort decreases to a great extent.

However, after the procedure, the patient may experience swelling and discomfort. The dentist may provide the patient with pain relievers to manage the discomfort caused.

What is recovery like?

Recovery from gum line contouring depends on the duration and intensity of the procedure itself. If the procedure included a wide area, the recovery may take longer time and specific care. The dentist will also provide the patient with pain relievers for post procedure swelling and discomfort. Also, the patient will be advised to avoid hard foods, too hot or cold beverages and tobacco as well as cigarettes. It is also advised to use a good mouthwash after the procedure for a few days.

 The recovery period can last from a few days to a few weeks. The dentist must be contacted if pain is observed increasing.

Benefits of gumline contouring

Gumline contouring primarily gives the patient an elegant, symmetrical smile. Gums that are too thick are cut down to make the face appear pleasant, giving the patient a great boost in his or her self-esteem.

Good oral health is also an outcome of this procedure. Even gums also imply a better opportunity and ability to keep the teeth clean. Gum reshaping and contouring also removes the risk of the many periodontal diseases that could develop in the unevenly shaped gums.

Sometimes for performing dental procedures like veneers, crowns, etc. this procedure is sometimes performed so the condition of the gums is improved and the dentist can proceed with these procedures. It serves as an advantage as the gums are being healed and the patient observes a symmetrical smile simultaneously.

Healthier looking teeth are also a great advantage. As the procedure improves oral health greatly, healthier looking teeth are a natural consequence. A smile that is symmetrical with perfectly shaped gums is much pleasing to the eye than an uneven smile.

A gum contouring is also used to correct gummy smiles. A gummy smile condition occurs when the gums start covering the teeth, making the teeth appear short and small. During gum contouring procedure, gums are incised and eliminated, so a gummy smile condition is also corrected automatically revealing longer, even teeth.

Risks and disadvantages

Gumline contouring often results in discomfort and a little bit of swelling after the procedure. There is also a risk of infection as the procedure involves surgery. Also, every patient may not be comfortable with anaesthesia and may react negatively to it.

There is also a greater risk of tooth decay. If during the procedure, gum roots and nerve endings are exposed and not properly covered again, the exposed area can catch infection and convert into tooth decaying. A gum graft or bonded filling should be used to fill any possible cavities and exposed areas created during the procedure.

Also, if the patient doesn’t take care of the teeth properly after the procedure, the risk of tooth recession increases.