Laser gum contouring is becoming more popular among patients who have an uneven gum line or gummy smile. The procedure allows dentists to reshape the gum line to produce a more pleasing aesthetic.
Today, the Santa Monica cosmetic dentist performs an increasing number of laser gum contouring treatments. The use of laser technology has made it easier to contour gum tissue with reduced risks and fewer side effects. In this blog, we’ll explain how laser gum contouring can be performed to improve the appearance of the smile.
What does the procedure involve?
Laser gum contouring involves the removal of a small amount of soft gum tissue to produce a uniform gum line or minimize the amount of gum tissue that shows when a patient smiles. To start the procedure, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the gum tissue and prevent any discomfort during the treatment process.
Once you’re completely numb, the Santa Monica cosmetic dentist we’ll use a dental laser to sculpt the gum line and create an attractive contour; this may involve the removal of gum tissue across the entire upper gum line or the removal of excess gum tissue from specific teeth. The entire process takes less than an hour. Once the gums have been reshaped to the desired aesthetic, the patient can return home.
How long does it take to recover?
The laser gum contouring procedure results in minimal side effects. Still, you may experience minor discomfort during the healing period. To reduce any pain, avoid spicy foods, foods, and drinks that are heated or cooled to extreme temperatures, and foods that contain small seeds. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to treat any discomfort.
You should continue to brush and floss their teeth in the days after treatment. However, during the first few days after treatment, it is important to be as gentle as possible.
Laser dentistry offers many benefits, including a minimal recovery time and few side effects. Other benefits are:
- Less pain during and after treatment
- A reduced degree of bleeding and swelling
- Less chance of infection
- Improved and even gum line
- The gum line is more proportionate to the teeth
- The ideal amount of gum tissue shows when you smile, laugh, or speak
The laser gum contouring procedure is commonly performed in combination with other dental procedures. Porcelain veneers may be applied to the front surface of the teeth to make them appear straighter, lengthen short teeth, or mask stains. Teeth whitening may be performed to make the teeth whiter. By choosing additional treatments, patients can achieve a total smile makeover.
If you’re thinking about a laser gum contouring procedure, contact our cosmetic dentist office to arrange a convenient consultation.