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What is Gum Line Contouring?


Posted on 3/6/2023 by Dr. Michael Wockenfus
What is Gum Line Contouring?A dental professional performs gum contouring to reshape or resculpt your gumline. A gum contouring procedure involves extracting surplus gum tissue around the teeth. Gum recession is treated by repairing gum tissue. Gum contouring is often a voluntary operation. This surgery is not necessary from a medical standpoint. Instead, it seeks to make the gums, teeth, or smile seem better. However, if gum contouring is indicated for your dental health, it could be done.

What Happens During Gum Contouring


In most cases, gum contouring is performed by a periodontist or cosmetic dentist. Typically, it is performed in one visit in an office setting. During the procedure, you will usually remain awake. Anesthesia will be administered to numb the gum area before the procedure begins. The dentist will trim the gum line to reveal more of the tooth by removing extra gum tissue and reshaping it using a soft tissue laser or scalpel. The gum tissue may be fixed in place with the use of a suture. Your dentist may need to take tissue from another area of your mouth, such as your palate, if the operation includes adding gum tissue due to receding gums. During surgery, this tissue is secured around your teeth so that your gums can be lengthened and restructured. It depends on the extent of contouring and resculpting required on the length of the procedure. In general, gum contouring takes approximately one to two hours.

Gum Contouring Recovery


The downtime associated with gum contouring is minimal, but it may take days or weeks for the patient to recover completely. Based on your physical condition and any tenderness you may experience, you may need to limit certain activities for a day or two. As your gums and mouth will likely be sensitive at first, you should eat soft foods for approximately two to three days after the procedure. Following the procedure, you will typically be required to attend a follow-up appointment. As your gums heal, your doctor will check to see if there are any signs of infection. A mouth rinse with antibiotics may be prescribed. Symptoms of infection include swelling, pain, and discharge.




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Michael J. Wockenfus, DDS created a blog to educate the community. It is your resource for all dentistry questions. Learn and read topics in the blog here!
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