Introduction
Sometimes, achieving that picture-perfect smile is not just about having a straight and healthy set of teeth. Surprisingly, the position and appearance of your gums and lips matters a lot as well!
Some people might have a gummy smile, which is when your smile shows too much gums for your liking. If you are one of these people, gum contouring might be a viable option for you.
What Is A Gummy Smile?
To have a “gummy” smile means to be showing too much gum; more than you would ideally want. This could happen due to a myriad of reasons, such as gum disease or just a naturally high lip line, exposing a lot of gums when you smile.
On the other hand, you could also have the problem of receding gums caused by over brushing or gum disease, exposing the roots of your teeth to harmful bacteria. This can be solved by restoring gum tissue.
Most of the time, gum contouring is a procedure done solely for aesthetic purposes, and it is unnecessary to perform it unless you are very self-conscious about the way your gums look. However, if you have severe gum disease, the procedure might be necessary to improve and maintain your oral health.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is an option for people who are self-conscious about their gumline or gummy smile to correct it. Sometimes, dentists may even encourage gum contouring if you have gum conditions that could inhibit your health.
During the procedure, a specialist will administer local anaesthesia, and then use a laser or scalpel to remove unwanted gum tissue around your teeth, to correct your gummy smile.
The result is often also healthier gums, as the space between teeth and gum become shallower and easier to brush (Stone, n.d.). After the procedure, the gums will take a few weeks to heal.
For gum recession, the dental surgeon could use your own gum tissue from elsewhere in your mouth, or use a donor’s tissue to restore gum tissue in the problem area. This improves gum coverage and protects the roots of your teeth that would otherwise be susceptible to bacteria and plaque growth from overexposure.
Gum Contouring Recovery
After the procedure on your gums, you might experience some swelling in your gums or tooth sensitivity around the area that the gum contouring was performed on.
However, these symptoms should slowly go away over time as your gums recover.
Conclusion
Gum health is extremely important; it is as important or even more important than the health of your teeth! Thus, you must always be sure to clean and brush your gums often, so as to prevent periodontal disease from developing in your gums.
If you are looking to get gum contouring, please consult Dr. Ryan Yun (click here to view our contact details). Also please check our newest updates from our Facebook and Instagram !
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