What is Gum Recontouring?
While often overlooked, the gums play an important role in the aesthetics and health of a smile. When healthy, the smile looks complete, with the roots being protected by a healthy layer of gingival tissue. However, when the gums are compromised by gum disease, the tissue may begin to recede from the teeth, causing the appearance of elongated teeth. On the other end of the spectrum, an overabundance of gum tissue can appear disproportionate to the amount of visible teeth, leaving patients with a gummy smile.
In the past, treating these conditions has required soft tissue grafting or other forms of surgery, procedures which many patients often shied away from. However, recent years have seen many more patients turn to gum recontouring with soft tissue lasers as a means of improving the appearance of their gums.
The Advantages of Laser Gum Sculpting
In recent years, soft tissue dental lasers have been used as a treatment method for a number of soft tissue conditions, including cold sores and frenectomies. In particular, dental lasers have also been used to help eliminate bacteria from within the periodontal pockets. As the laser stimulates blood coagulation within the pocket, it also helps encourage tissue reattachment to the tooth.
Patients who had dental lasers used to sculpt gums can also look forward to similar advantages. As dental lasers tend to be less painful than traditional grafting or removal techniques, many patients are able to undergo treatment with just a local anesthetic. As the laser cauterizes the tissue throughout treatment, there is limited post-operative bleeding. Not only does this lower the risk of infection during recovery, but it also helps accelerate recovery time and lower post-treatment discomfort. Additionally, the precision of dental lasers ensures that patients receive a beautiful smile following treatment.
The Recontouring Process
At the Edmonton dental practice of Dr. Derek Fika, gum resculpting begins with an in-depth look at your smile. During this one-on-one consultation, our Edmonton dentist will evaluate your gums to identify whether additional treatment will be needed in order to ensure successful gum recontouring. After determining the best resculpting strategy, patient return for the outpatient procedure. Following treatment, patients visit once more to ensure proper healing.
Dr. Derek Fika Family Dentistry is committed to providing patients with dental solutions tailored to meet each smile’s unique needs. For more information about the advantages of gum resculpting, contact our Edmonton dentist today.