It is important to be proud of your smile. That is why cosmetic dentistry allows you to acquire straight, pearly white teeth that are free of damage and properly formed. You may pick from various cosmetic operations, including gum contouring. To know more, speak to a family dentist in Denver today.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring is an operation performed by a dental specialist that resculpts or reshapes your gumline. Gum contouring is a method for removing surplus gum tissue around your teeth. If you have gum recession, the method entails regenerating gum tissue.
Gum contouring is often an elective operation. It is thus not medically mandatory. It is instead done to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, or smile. However, your dentist may sometimes propose gum contouring for oral health reasons.
When is it medically necessary?
Gum contouring is usually performed for aesthetic reasons. However, there are situations when it is a medical need.
Gum contouring may be an orthodontic option for you if you are a patient with periodontal disease. However, your dentist will first look for nonsurgical therapies for gum disease. Antibiotics may be used to kill bacteria and infections, and dental cleanings may be utilized to restore gum health.
If these methods fail to save the tooth, your dentist may offer pocket reduction treatment on the surrounding bone and gums. Alternatively, you may require regeneration surgery to rebuild damaged bone and gum tissue.
These treatments may include gum contouring. If this is the case, dental insurance may pay the cost, or a portion of it, if treatment is deemed a medical necessity. Talk to your dental insurance carrier to discover what is covered and whether there are any out-of-pocket expenditures.
What does it involve?
A cosmetic dentist or a periodontist will generally do gum contouring. It is an in-office treatment that is usually completed in a single visit. In most circumstances, you will be awake throughout the process. Before the doctor begins, you will be given local anesthesia that numbs the gum area.
During the procedure, the dentist will use a scalpel or soft tissue laser to remove extra gum tissue and reshape the gum line to display more of the tooth. Sutures may be used to secure the gum tissue.
If your gums recede and the surgery requires additional gum tissue, your dentist may take tissue from another area of your mouth, such as your palate. During surgery, this tissue is secured around your teeth to extend and remodel your gumline.
The length of the treatment is determined by the degree of the contouring and the quantity of resculpting required. Gum contouring typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
