Transform Your Smile's Appearance with Gum Contouring

Gum Contouring is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of your smile. Dr. John P. Goodman uses laser technology for precision, fast recovery, and enhanced comfort throughout the gum contouring procedure at our Kansas City, MO, office.  Gum contouring or reshaping, is an elective cosmetic procedure that can improve balance and symmetry in your smile. Eliminating excess tissue from the gum line can create a better tooth-to-gum ratio for a more proportionate smile. Contact our dental office to speak with a member of our team about this transformative procedure.

How a Gum Contouring can Improve Your Smile

Dr. Goodman typically recommends a gum contouring for patients with what we call a “gummy smile”. If you have a gummy smile, a large portion of your gums show when you smile, making your teeth appear short and stubby. Gum Contouring are also a good option for patients with an uneven gum line. This simple procedure can trim away excess tissues to create a beautifully scalloped and symmetrical gum line. This procedure can elongate the teeth for a more natural and balanced smile. Eliminating excess tissue from the gum line can create a better tooth-to-gum ratio for a more proportionate smile.

What You can Expect During the Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the gum contouring procedure is a consultation with Dr. Goodman. He will discuss your treatment goals with you and examine your teeth and gums. If he finds any signs of gum disease or other complications, you must receive treatment for those conditions prior to any cosmetic procedure. If you are a good candidate for a gum contouring, Dr. Goodman can review with you what you can expect from the procedure.

The Gum Contouring Procedure

Dr. Goodman will outline your new gum line with a pen. When you are both satisfied with the new gum line, he will inject a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, using our specialized laser, he will carefully follow that outline, removing excess gum tissue. Traditional surgical instruments such as a scalpel can cause excessive bleeding, increases your risk of infection, and offers far less precision. The laser immediately cauterizes the tissues, disinfecting and sealing the gums. This not only reduces bleeding and infection but also ensures greater precision and accuracy. Dr. Goodman can complete this straightforward procedure in just one office visit.

Recovery

You will notice immediate improvements in your smile after just one visit. Your gums will create a more proportionate frame for your teeth for a more beautiful and natural-looking smile. Thanks to our use of advanced lasers, recovery time after a gum contouring is significantly reduced. For a few days after your procedure, you may experience some soreness and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication can help to alleviate any discomfort. You should avoid and seed-containing foods or spicy foods and brush and floss your teeth gently during this time.

Find Out if You are a Good Candidate for a Gum Contouring

If you feel embarrassed or self-conscious because of a “gummy smile”, a gum lift can improve both your appearance and your confidence. Contact our dental office today to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Goodman. After a thorough evaluation, he can tell you whether you are a good candidate for a gum contouring. He can also recommend additional procedures to further enhance your smile.