Gum recontouring

Gums function to protect the teeth from bacterial build up and keep teeth stable and in alignment. Sometimes there gums is too much gum tissue and this causes the gum to overlap the teeth resulting in a 'gummy smile'. Dentists are able to improve the appearance of the smile using laser gum recontouring dental surgery.

What is the procedure for gum recontouring?

The aim of gum recontouring is to reshape the gum, remove any excess gum tissue that is overlapping teeth and create an aesthetically pleasing smile. 

Using a laser, dentists will remove the excess gum tissue and reshape the remaining gum. Occasionally dentists need to reshape the bone at the same time to prevent the gum regrowing and covering the teeth. 

The procedure is not invasive - dentists numb the area of gum to be recontoured using anaesthesia to ensure there is no pain and the patient is able to eat and drink as soon as the anaesthesia wears off. 

Patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile further may choose to have dental crowns or veneers fitted to teeth during the same appointment. 

Related guides

• Gum recontouring
• Soft tissue grafting

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Teeth whitening
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Dental Crowns
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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