Gum contouring

What it is

Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, changes the shape of your gingiva (gums). Most often, a small amount of extra gum tissue is removed so more of each tooth shows. It can also even out a gumline that sits higher on some teeth than on others.

Sometimes the bone under the gums also needs reshaping for the new gumline to hold. That bigger procedure is called crown lengthening. Your dentist will check for this before you decide. Some of these cases are referred to a periodontist (a dentist with extra training in gum surgery).

Who it helps

Gum contouring may help if:

• Your teeth look short because gum covers part of them
• Your gumline is uneven across your front teeth
• You’d like your smile to show less gum
• Your gums have grown over your teeth, which some medicines can cause

A gummy smile doesn’t always come from the gums. A short or very active upper lip, or the shape of the jaw, can cause it too, and trimming the gums won’t change those. Your gums also need to be healthy first. If they’re red, swollen, or bleed easily, gum disease treatment comes before any reshaping.

What happens

1. Exam and measurements. Dr. Minici checks the health of your gums and measures how much of each tooth is covered. X-rays show where the bone sits.
2. Planning the new gumline. You talk through how much tissue to remove and how your smile may change. Some dentists mark the new line first, so you can see it.
3. Numbing. We numb the area, which feels like a pinch and then a heavy, puffy feeling in your lip.
4. Reshaping. Your dentist trims the extra tissue and shapes the new edge of your gums. Most people feel only pressure and movement. If bone is reshaped too, you may need a few stitches.
5. Follow-up. A short visit lets your dentist check how your gums are healing.

Recovery and aftercare

Your gums will likely be tender for a few days and may bleed a little at first. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help; ask your dentist which to take. The gums keep settling into their new shape over the next few weeks.

While you heal:

• Eat soft, cool foods, and skip spicy, crunchy, or very hot foods for a few days.
• Brush the area gently, the way your dentist shows you.
• Rinse with warm salt water if your dentist suggests it.
• Don’t smoke, since it slows healing.

Call the office if bleeding doesn’t stop with gentle pressure, if swelling gets worse after a few days, or if you have a fever.

Cost and insurance

The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and whether bone also needs reshaping.

Done only for looks, gum contouring is usually considered cosmetic, and plans often don’t cover it. When it’s part of treating a health problem or preparing a tooth for a crown, your plan may cover part of it. Financing can spread the cost; see insurance and financing.

Alternatives

• Leaving your gums as they are. A gummy smile isn’t a health problem. If it doesn’t bother you, there’s no need to treat it.
• Changing the teeth instead. Veneers or crowns can make teeth look longer, sometimes along with contouring. Both mean removing some of the tooth.
• Moving the teeth. When teeth sit too low or too high, clear aligners or braces may help more than trimming the gums.
• Other options for lip or jaw causes. If your lip or jaw is the cause, your dentist can explain other treatments, some of which are done by other doctors.