GUM CONTOURING & LENGTHENING

Gingival sculpting is safe, fast and virtually painless. You can continue your normal activities right after treatment, and the results are permanent. Dr. Ho will walk you through a treatment planning process to ensure you get the best results. No longer does evening out your smile have to seem overwhelming.

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WHITE FILLINGS GUM CONTOURING ZOOM! TEETH WHITENING VENEERS & BOUNDING DENTAL IMPLANTS

WHAT IS GUM OR GINGIVAL CONTOURING?

Sometimes gums rest too low or too high on the teeth – leading to an uneven smile. Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, is a cosmetic dental procedure that can even out an uneven gum line and give you a smile you can be proud of.

WHAT CAUSES UNEVEN GUMS?

Gums that cover a large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look small. This may be the result of genetics, a particular health problem, or taking certain prescription drugs. Gums that are too high and make your teeth appear long are often caused by gum recession, a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth’s root. Not only can gum recession make your teeth look long, it can lead to serious dental problems, such as decay and tooth loss.

WHAT IS THE GINGIVAL CONTOURING PROCEDURE?

The minor in-office gum contouring procedure typically requires only one visit of about half an hour. After local anesthetic is applied to the gums, a soft tissue laser is used to trim away, re-contour and seal the excess gum tissue. There is only minor discomfort and there is no bleeding or stitches involved. You can continue your normal activities right after treatment, and the results are permanent.

WHAT ABOUT MY RECEDING GUMS?

Many treatments can be done to maintain, extend and thicken the gums that you have lost. Sometimes we perform a gingival graft where we take tissue from an area that you have lots of gum tissue and transplant it to an area where you have little gum tissue. Sometimes we use medications and deep cleanings to treat recession. When it comes to treating recession your prognosis is always better if it is treated sooner rather than later. Dr Ho can walk you though your options and help you make an informed educated decision.

WHAT IS THE GUM CONTOURING RECOVERY PROCESS?

The day of surgery, you should rest and limit your activities. It may take a few days or weeks for your gums to heal completely. Your dentist will give you specific directions about what you need to do to aid the recovery process. Here are some general tips to get you through the recovery period:

Ease pain by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Advil, as directed by your dentist. Do not take aspirin, which can cause bleeding.
Eat soft, cool foods, such as eggs, pasta, yogurt, cottage cheese, soft vegetables, and ice cream, for the first few days after surgery. Avoid spicy foods and anything with seeds until your gums have healed completely.
Follow Dr. Ho’s’ directions on when and how to brush your teeth during the healing process.

If you notice excessive swelling or bleeding, or if you have any concerns following the procedure, call your North Vancouver dentist Dr. Andrew Ho.