Gum Contouring

GUM CONTOURING

It is called a gummy smile, when a large amount of gum tissue appears above the teeth when one smiles. This makes the teeth look shorter. This is not bad for your physical health, but a gummy smile does make some people lose self-confidence.

This problem can be addressed through gum contouring at Walton Dental Surgery.

ROOT CAUSES OF A GUMMY SMILE

There are a variety of causes that contribute toward a gummy smile:

One reason could be that the teeth have not grown out fully and are being hidden by the gum tissue.
An over-active upper lip can also be the reason for displaying more gum when one smiles.
Conversely, if the upper lip is short in size, that too can expose more gum.
Gingival hypertrophy – or long gums – can be another reason for a gummy smile.
There is a gum condition called vertical maxillary excess that leads to a bulging out of gums.
One could simply have inherited the genes which lead to teeth being smaller, thus making the gums appear larger.

HOW CAN A GUMMY SMILE BE TREATED?

We at Walton Dental Surgery want you to get back your self-confidence if you struggle because of a gummy smile. We treat this condition through ‘gum contouring’.

WHAT IS REQUIRED IN GUM CONTOURING?

Gum contouring is a simple procedure.

In your first appointment with us at Walton Dental Surgery, we will check your gums and inform you about your treatment options.

In the second stage, we will make you comfortable and apply local anaesthesia to your gums. Then we will remove the excessive gum tissue and also create a beautiful gum line to give you a smile you have desired.

After that you can relax and go home and simply relax for the remainder of the day. Gum contouring is a simple procedure.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES GUM CONTOURING TAKE?

The duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth that need gum contouring. In general, the treatment takes anywhere between 20 to 45 minutes of time.

DOES THIS HURT?

We perform the procedure under local anaesthesia. Therefore, it does not hurt. Gums will heal within two weeks after the gum contouring procedure and most patients do not experience much swelling afterwards.