Smile is one of the most important expressions reflecting our personality. As well as teeth, healthy and aesthetic gums are also complementary elements of the smile. Gum shaping is a surgical procedure that we apply with aesthetic concerns and improve the form of the gums. This procedure, which is performed to remove excessive tissues in the gums or to make the gums more smooth and aesthetic, offers not only cosmetic but also health benefits.
Gum Contouring: What is it and Why is it Preferred?
Gingival aesthetics or pink aesthetics, as it is popularly known, is the whole of the treatment methods performed to make the gums look healthy and aesthetic. Removal of excess gum tissue, solving aesthetic problems such as gummy smile and making the teeth look longer can be achieved. Defects in the gums are sometimes caused by health problems, while sometimes genetic or environmental factors can lead to deformities.
Before the procedure, your dentist evaluates your smile with you and decides which treatment methods will be applied. The lines of the gum surrounding your teeth are reviewed in terms of symmetry and aesthetics. Most of the time, this procedure focuses only on the gums, but additional treatment methods that improve the appearance of the teeth along with the gums can also be applied.
Gum Contouring Methods
Gum aesthetics includes several different treatment methods such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, lip repositioning and crown lengthening. Which treatment option will be used depends on the patient's needs, the condition of the gums and overall oral health.
Gingivectomy: It is the surgical removal of areas with excess tissue in the gums. This procedure, performed with a laser, speeds up the healing process considerably and is minimally invasive.
Gingivoplasty: It is the aesthetic correction of the gum line. The excess tissues in the gums are shaped and the teeth are made more prominent.
Lip Repositioning: Lip repositioning treatment improves the appearance of the gums by changing the position of the lips. This method, which is especially used in the treatment of gummy smile (excessive gum appearance), shows the gums less and makes the smile more symmetrical.
Crown lengthening: If the teeth look small due to the excessive appearance of the gums, the height of the gums is corrected with this treatment method and the teeth appear longer.
Problems that can be solved with gum contouring
Gum contouring can solve many aesthetic problems. For example, disorders such as gummy smile (excessive gum appearance in the smile) can be eliminated with this procedure. In addition, problems such as irregular gum line or gum growths are also corrected. In addition, aesthetic disorders such as discolouration of the gums or brown spots can also be treated with pink aesthetics.
Brown gum stains caused by smoking or some medications can also be removed with gum pinking. However, conditions such as swelling of the gums, poor oral hygiene or gum recession can also be treated with gum aesthetics.
How Is Gum Shaping Procedure Performed?
Before the procedure begins, your dentist evaluates your oral health and performs the necessary cleaning procedures. Excess tissues in the gums are carefully removed with instruments such as scalpel or laser. During this process, the bone structures around the gums can also be corrected if necessary. Thus, a healthier tooth structure is obtained both aesthetically and functionally.
After treatment, the healing process is usually short. Your dentist may prescribe some medication to reduce pain, and stitches or pastes can be used to speed up the healing process.
Healing Process and Things to Consider After Gum Reshaping
The healing process after gum reshaping varies depending on the treatment applied and the general health status of the person. Usually, full healing of the gums can be achieved within 3 weeks. After treatment, there may be side effects such as pain and sensitivity, but these are usually short-lived. To support the healing process, it is helpful to eat soft foods, avoid hot and cold foods and use antibacterial mouthwash.
Your dentist may recommend regular follow-up appointments to speed up healing after the procedure. In this way, the healing process can be monitored and intervention can be made in case of any complications.
Advantages and Risks of Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is an excellent option for aesthetically improving your smile. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, albeit small. Adverse conditions such as infection, regrowth of gum tissue or pain may occur in some patients. However, these risks are minimised if performed by an experienced dentist.
With the gum shaping procedure, you can achieve a more proportional and aesthetic smile and make your teeth look longer. In addition, the smooth and healthy appearance of the gums also positively affects your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is gum contouring painful?
Gum contouring is performed with local anaesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure. However, there may be a slight pain or tenderness after the procedure. This is usually short-term and can be relieved with painkillers recommended by the physician.
How long does the gum shaping procedure take?
The gum contouring procedure usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. The procedure time may vary depending on the size of the treated area and the methods used.
What is the healing process after gum contouring?
Although the healing process varies from person to person, most patients can return to their normal activities within a week. It may take 3 weeks for the gums to heal completely. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions during the healing process.
Is gum contouring permanent?
Yes, gum contouring usually provides permanent results. However, in some cases, it is possible for the gum to grow back. Therefore, during the treatment, your dentist minimises this risk by removing excess bone tissue under the gum.
Who is gum contouring suitable for?
Gum contouring is recommended for people whose gums are too visible or irregularly shaped. It offers an ideal solution for situations such as gummy smile problem, discolouration or overgrowth of the gums. However, before the procedure, your dentist evaluates the general oral health of the person and determines whether it is suitable for treatment.
What should be considered after the gum shaping procedure?
After the procedure, it may be useful to apply a cold compress to prevent swelling and pain. Consuming soft foods can relieve pain. It is also recommended to use antibacterial mouthwash for the gums to heal.
What is lip repositioning and who is it suitable for?
Lip repositioning is a surgical procedure that prevents the gums from appearing too much. This method is generally suitable for people with gummy smile (excessive gum appearance). By changing the position of the lips, it makes the gums less visible and a more aesthetically balanced smile is achieved.
Is there a risk of infection after gum contouring?
Although gum contouring is a safe treatment, it carries the risk of infection like any surgical intervention. However, if an experienced dentist performs the procedure, this risk is minimised. Antibiotics given during the healing process and attention to care instructions reduce the risk of infection.
Can gum contouring be combined with other aesthetic dental treatments?
Yes, gum contouring can often be combined with other aesthetic dental treatments. Procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and braces treatment can be performed in harmony with gum contouring and more effective results can be achieved.