Do You Feel Like Too Much Of Your Gums Show When You Smile?
When your gums are too high on the teeth, they make your teeth look shorter. Actually, the excess gum tissue is simply covering the tooth. You probably think of it as a “gummy smile,” and it can make you self-conscious when talking with others in close proximity.
Dr. Pappas uses a diode laser for gum recontouring, lengthening the visible portion of the tooth. This procedure is very effective, yet incredibly easy to take.
What is gum recontouring?
No one wants to have a gummy smile, but most people never consider doing anything about it. They can be the result of genetics, taking certain prescription drugs, or from various health problems. When Dr. Pappas performs gum recontouring, the gum line is raised so more of the crown (the visible portion of the tooth) is visible. Gum recontouring makes your teeth look longer, a key to improving your smile.
Technology has really improved these treatments. Prior to the advent of dental lasers, gum contouring was done with a scalpel. As you would assume, this created a painful, lengthy recovery. Now, thanks to our laser technology, at Arcadia Dental Arts gum recontouring procedures are fast, simple, and virtually painless.
Good Candidates For Gum Recontouring
If your gums are overly visible, you’re a good candidate for gum recontouring with Dr. Pappas. These are typically done as cosmetic treatments to remove excess gum tissue and show more of the tooth surface. This makes the teeth look longer. That’s why gum recontouring is often also known as crown lengthening; it makes the crown look longer.
Dr. Pappas also uses our diode laser to remove infected gum tissue, but this is more treatment of gum disease than aesthetic gum contouring.
The gums and surrounding areas are completely numbed prior to your procedure. Dr. Pappas uses the diode laser for gum contouring. The laser energy gently cuts away excess gum tissue, creating a more uniform, natural-looking scalloped gum line.
What are the advantages of using a Diode Laser for Gum Recontouring?
Our diode laser instantly vaporizes the unwanted gum tissue, simultaneously cauterizing the cutting line. This has numerous advantages:
- No need for sutures
- Less bleeding
- Dramatically lower chances of infectio
- Easier recovery
- Faster treatment times
Recovery From Gum Contouring
Following your gum contouring with Dr. Pappas, your gums may be sore and slightly swollen for a few days. The discomfort is minimal, however, and won’t preclude you from eating or drinking normally. You’ll need to avoid overly spicy foods and foods with seeds for a few days, but that’s about it. Ibuprofen will handle any discomfort. The difference between our use of lasers for these treatments compared to the old methods of scalpels and sutures is nothing short of amazing.
Can the laser energy damage my teeth?
The FDA first approved diode lasers for dental use over 25 years ago. They were studied extensively prior to that approval. The key is the difference in density between the gum tissue and the tooth. The laser wavelength is set to vaporize the gum tissue while leaving the tooth behind it unaffected.
The Potential risks involved with gum recontouring
Compared to the excessive bleeding and risk of infection that accompanied gum recontouring done with a scalpel, there is very little risk with laser gum contouring. The laser energy provides a precise cut, cauterizes the tissue instantly to minimize bleeding, and makes the procedure relatively simple.
Are the results from laser gum recontouring permanent?
Your new higher, scalloped gum line created by Dr. Pappas is permanent. The excess gum tissue he has removed will not regenerate, so you’ll enjoy your new smile for the rest of your life.
Patient Testimonial
"Been coming here for years. Clean and professional. They treat you as part of the family. But more importantly, they know what they're doing when it comes to teeth. Can't imagine going anywhere else."
-Daniel G.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you feel you have a ‘gummy smile’ call our office today at 602.957.9643 to find out how a simple, in-office procedure can help you reshape your smile.
