Cosmetic Gum Sculpting: Procedures and Benefits
May 01, 2022
When you think of cosmetic dentistry, do you only think about procedures to beautify teeth? You are mistaken. Dentists at Dental Wellness of Suffern perform many other dental processes necessary to elevate the aesthetics of a smile. For instance, a dentist may focus on cosmetic gum sculpting to improve the gum line and influence the general appearance of a smile.
What Is Cosmetic Gum Sculpting?
It is a dental procedure in cosmetic dentistry that reshapes the gum tissue to either lower or heighten the gum line. Gum sculpting in Suffern, also called gum contouring or gingival sculpting, can entail two different types of surgeries:
- Gum reduction surgery – is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess gum tissue to benefit the appearance of your smile. Excessive gum tissue in your smile can make your teeth look smaller than they are. This type of gum sculpting near you will comprise the removal of portions of your gums that give you a gummy smile. The dentist will remove as much gum tissue as necessary to achieve a beautiful smile. The focus of this surgery is on the front teeth that are usually visible when you smile.
- Gum grafting surgery – is a surgical procedure that helps treat gum recession. Gum recession occurs when part of your gums pull away from teeth, exposing more of the tooth structure than is necessary. It can happen to anyone, especially patients with poor oral habits, crooked teeth, or an overcrowded mouth. Such gum recession can tamper with the appearance of your smile, making your teeth look excessively longer than they are. While it may be an elective cosmetic procedure, sometimes dentist in Suffern deem gum grafting a necessary medical step to benefit your oral health. It is usually the case when patients have periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease that may cause premature tooth loss.
What Should You Expect During Cosmetic Gum Sculpting?
The target area for this cosmetic procedure is your gums. Therefore, you must be prepared to undergo some changes to your gum tissue. Some things to anticipate during and after your procedure include:
- Numbness – the dentist must numb your mouth when performing the surgery.
- Sedation – periodontists and oral surgeons can choose to use dental sedatives for your treatment or not. It depends on the extent of your treatment. If you need to undergo sculpting for more than an hour or two, you will require sedation to help you sit still and remain calm during your treatment.
- Sutures on the gums – even though it is not always necessary, your dentist may suture your gums a few times to aid the healing process.
- One dental visit – you do not have to worry about multiple dental visits for cosmetic gum sculpting. Typically, such procedures take two hours or less in the dental office, depending on the amount of work necessary to improve the shape of your gums.
Is Gum Sculpting Painful?
Technically, it is painful to cut soft tissues in any part of your body. However, local anesthesia is a powerful and necessary tool for cosmetic dental procedures. Dentists will use anesthesia to numb your mouth, ensuring you undergo a pain-free procedure. After your treatment, however, expect some soreness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. It should last a few days as your gums heal. The good news is that your dentist will recommend pain medication to help manage the pain as your gums heal.
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
Soft tissues typically heal quickly. However, it differs from one patient to another. It may take days or weeks until your gums are fully healed. During this period, you will limit some oral habits to ensure your gums are healing as they should. This includes heating hard foods, smoking, and drinking alcohol, to mention a few. The better care you take for your oral cavity, the quicker you are likely to heal. Therefore, be intentional about watching what you eat and drink. Besides that, ensure to keep a clean mouth to prevent bacteria from causing an infection on your wound. Contact your dentist 10901 if you suspect that the healing is taking longer than it should. Do the same if you notice an infection in your gums.