Your teeth are the first thing people notice about your smile. But your gums are just as important, too. Periodontal gum disease or tooth loss is often the cause of receding gums. Gummy smiles, or gum asymmetry, can affect your appearance and overall health.
Plano, TX, dentists Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen use their artistic eye and surgical expertise to address the shape of their gums. Dr. Sowell or Dr. Chen will use the WaterLase MD laser to help patients suffering from gum recession. Receding gums become a concern when they begin to expose the tooth root.
Exposed roots will leave the tooth at risk for decay and infection. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease are the number one causes of receding gums. When plaque begins to build up on the teeth, it will cause gingivitis which can lead to periodontitis.
Without treatment, this disease will only get worse and eventually lead to tooth loss. Utilizing the WaterLase MD laser, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen are able to treat periodontal disease without making incisions. The laser will remove all bacteria as well as the infected tissue with extreme accuracy.
Gummy Smiles/Gum Asymmetry Treatment
A gummy smile is something people are born with, but that doesn’t mean they have to live with it. Showing too much of their gum tissue bothers some patients. The reality is they may have a short upper lip, small teeth, or simply too much gum tissue.
With the use of the latest in laser technology, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen can treat any gum issues you may have. Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell can correct these issues and more by using the WaterLase MD laser. This revolutionary dental laser technology is capable of removing excess gum tissue. This treatment option is much faster, less painful, and offers faster healing versus other methods of gum contouring.
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen also use it on patients with asymmetrical gum tissues. We can easily achieve symmetry with a WaterLase laser treatment. In the past, gum reshaping was accomplished by using a scalpel and physically cutting away the tissue.
Laser dentistry is fast, safe, and convenient. Patients can go back to work the next day without pain or medications. Trust Dr. Chen and Dr. Sowell to provide gum treatment that will maximize the beauty of your smile. Visit us if you have a receding or advancing gum line or an unattractive gummy smile.
Gum Reshaping Before & After
This young lady came to Dr. Sowell’s Plano dental office with a beautiful, natural smile. However, she showed more gums than she would have liked. Dr. Sowell provided a gum lift that would decrease her gum display and increase the size of her teeth.
This created ideal proportions to her face without having to touch her teeth. The result was a beautiful natural smile with a conservative approach.
Gummy Reshaping FAQs
How does gum contouring work?
During our gum contouring procedure, Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen use a soft-tissue laser to remove extra tissue around the gums. The dentist will move the laser around to attack and destroy the excess tissue. The results will make teeth appear larger, and the gums appear healthier. Gum contouring is the perfect way to reshape your gum line.
Is gum reshaping painful?
You may feel some slight discomfort when undergoing gum treatment, but gum reshaping is not painful. Our dentists numb the treatment area before the procedure begins to make the patient more comfortable. Most people report higher pain levels after the procedure, but the pain should go away after a few days. Our dentist may recommend medications and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the discomfort.
What will my recovery from gum reshaping be like?
Recovery varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity, intensity, and irritation. When performing the procedure with a laser, recovery is much easier and faster. Using a cold compress and holding it on your face for 15-minute intervals can speed up recovery and lessen swelling. Avoid eating sharp, crunchy, and hard food until a few days after the procedure to ensure that they don’t irritate your gums.