What To Know
What to know aboutGum Contouring
Gum contouring (sometimes called a gum lift, gingival contouring, or crown lengthening) is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced, attractive smile. At Veda Dental Studio, we use modern techniques including dental lasers to remove or reshape excess gum tissue with precision and minimal discomfort. Patients with a gummy smile, uneven gum line, or short-looking teeth often benefit dramatically from gum contouring, and the results are visible immediately.
Many patients don't realize how much their gum line affects the overall look of their smile. When too much gum tissue shows above the teeth, the smile can look gummy and the teeth can appear small. When the gum line is uneven, individual teeth can look asymmetrical even when they're actually well-aligned. Gum contouring addresses both issues by precisely shaping the gum tissue to expose more of each tooth and create a harmonious gum line across the smile.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients describe it as comfortable, similar to a routine cleaning. Laser contouring offers the additional benefit of cauterizing the tissue as it cuts, which means less bleeding, faster healing, and minimal post-operative discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Gum contouring is often combined with other cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding, or whitening as part of a comprehensive smile makeover, but it can also stand alone as a quick, transformative procedure.
Questions
Frequently askedquestions
Answers to the questions patients ask us most, so you feel prepared before your visit.
How long does gum contouring take?
The procedure itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for most cases. Complex cases involving multiple teeth or significant reshaping may take longer. Most patients are in and out of the office in under 90 minutes including consultation time before the procedure begins.
Is gum contouring painful?
The procedure is generally comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely so you don't feel pain during contouring. Most patients describe mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, similar to mouth soreness, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Laser contouring typically produces less discomfort than traditional surgical methods.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild swelling and tenderness may last a few days. Complete healing of the gum tissue takes about 1 to 2 weeks. We provide post-operative instructions including how to brush gently around the area, what foods to avoid initially, and signs that warrant a follow-up call.
Will my gums grow back after contouring?
Gum tissue typically does not grow back to its original position after contouring. The result is essentially permanent, which is one reason careful planning is important before the procedure. In rare cases, some tissue regrowth occurs, particularly if underlying inflammation wasn't addressed first. Most patients enjoy lasting results from a single procedure.
Can gum contouring fix a gummy smile?
Yes, gum contouring is the primary treatment for a gummy smile when the cause is excess gum tissue covering otherwise normal teeth. For some patients, the cause of a gummy smile is hyperactive lip muscles or skeletal issues with the upper jaw, which require different treatments like Botox® or orthognathic surgery. We evaluate the cause carefully before recommending contouring.
Is laser gum contouring better than traditional surgery?
Laser contouring offers several advantages: more precise tissue removal, less bleeding (the laser cauterizes as it cuts), faster healing, less post-operative discomfort, and reduced risk of infection. Traditional scalpel techniques are still appropriate for some cases, particularly when bone reshaping is also needed. We choose the right technique based on your specific situation.
Can gum contouring be done with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, gum contouring is often combined with other cosmetic procedures as part of a smile makeover. It's particularly common to combine it with veneers, since reshaping the gum line first allows the veneers to be properly proportioned. We can plan combined treatments efficiently to minimize total appointment time and produce a cohesive final result.
Am I a candidate for gum contouring?
Most patients with healthy gums are candidates for cosmetic contouring. Patients with active gum disease must have that treated first. Patients on certain medications that affect gum tissue or healing may need special consideration. A consultation determines candidacy and identifies any factors that need to be addressed before the procedure.
Serving Savannah, Pooler
and Port Wentworth
Our studio is at 492 Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy, Suite 104, Savannah, GA 31407, in The Highlands, just off I-95. It is an easy drive from downtown Savannah, Pooler and Port Wentworth, with parking right outside.
New Patients Welcome