Laser Gum Contouring in Farmington, UT

A "gummy" smile develops when the top portions of the teeth are concealed with an excessive amount of gum tissue. While this is somewhat common and not necessarily a health issue, many patients do not favor the appearance of a gummy smile and prefer the look of a balanced gum-to-tooth ratio. At Oakridge Dental, laser gum contouring is performed to sculpt the gumline by removing the extra unwanted tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth in the process. Also called gum sculpting, laser gum contouring improves the aesthetics of your smile by creating a natural-looking gumline that no longer obscures your teeth. If you have a "gummy" smile and want to know about your options for cosmetic enhancement, get in touch with our office in Farmington, UT. Family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Call is thrilled to offer this advanced procedure with men and women alike.

Receiving laser gum sculpting can produce a more balanced smile while also improving your oral health by eliminating additional areas where bacteria can hide. You may be a good candidate for gum sculpting if you are seeking a more attractive smile that has a proportionate ratio of gum tissue and enamel. Laser gum sculpting can create a higher gumline for patients whose gums hang low on the teeth. Laser gum contouring can also accompany a periodontal disease treatment plan to eliminate diseased or unwanted gum tissue where bacteria can collect and cause infection.

Gum contouring is performed in our office with numbing cream or local anesthesia. Sedation may be an option if you have fears or anxiety about visiting the dentist. Before your procedure, your teeth and gums will be cleaned and dried. Dr. Call will then use a laser to eliminate gum tissue and sculpt a balanced gumline. The laser seals the soft tissue to minimize bleeding throughout the process. When your gums have achieved the ideal shape, Dr. Call will clean your mouth so you can enjoy your results immediately following treatment. Generally, gum sculpting is completed during one in-office appointment.

Once your procedure has concluded, Dr. Call will go over your recovery instructions and make sure you understand how to care for your newly sculpted gumline. He may write a prescription for antibiotic medication if signs of infection were noticed during your treatment. Your gums may be red and inflamed for 1 – 3 weeks; however, if you follow a proper oral care routine at home of daily flossing and brushing, your gums will heal quickly. You should still attend your annual dental exams, as well as biannual cleanings so Dr. Call can monitor the health of your gums and teeth.

Gum sculpting at Oakridge Dental is a great treatment for many reasons. Utilizing laser technology, this procedure can enhance the appearance of your smile and it will reduce your risk of gum disease. If you would like to have more confidence and enjoy a balanced smile, gum sculpting might be right for you. To learn more about this procedure, contact our office in Farmington, UT to schedule your consultation with Dr. Call.