Gum Contouring
in New York City & Manhattan, NY

What is Gum Contouring and How Can My Dentist Help?

Your smile is one of the first things people see and it’s important you feel confident about your smile and the appearance of your teeth. Excess gum tissue creates a “gummy smile” and can make your teeth look small or crooked if the gum line is not straight. Gum contouring will straighten the gum line and remove excess gum tissue to show off a brighter, symmetrical smile.

Gum contouring is sometimes performed with a scalpel to cut away excess tissue, but a laser can also be used to minimize bleeding, risk of infection, and recovery time. Dr. Inna Chern will discuss your options for gum contouring to develop the best treatment plan that you are comfortable having.

What are the Benefits of Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is performed for cosmetic reasons and health benefits. Excess gum tissue can make it easy for food particles to get trapped beneath the gums and this can cause tooth decay or gum irritation. Gingivitis is a common oral disease caused by inflamed and irritated gums. Aesthetically, large gums can hide your teeth so gum contouring will improve the appearance of your smile and create a more symmetrical appearance for your gum line and teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Gum Contouring?

If you frequently suffer from gum or periodontal disease or if you feel you have a gummy smile, you may be a candidate for gum contouring. The decision to have gum contouring treatment is ultimately up to you and most people are a candidate for this procedure.

The Gum Contouring Treatment Procedure

Before your procedure, Dr. Chern will discuss your cosmetic goals to create customized results that match your desired look. During the procedure, a local anesthetic will be injected into the gum line to minimize any discomfort you might feel during the procedure. A laser or scalpel will be used to carefully remove excess gum tissue and reshape your gum line. The entire procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

Caring for Your Teeth After Gum Contouring

After gum contouring, your gums will be sore or swollen for up to one week. Here are a few ways you can care for your teeth and help your gums heal quickly:

• Avoid spicy food
• Avoid food with seeds
• Stick to a soft diet and drink plenty of water
• Be careful while brushing and flossing
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve discomfort
• Apply ice packs for 15 minutes at a time
• See your dentist for a follow-up