Gum Contouring

Excessive gum tissue can dramatically impact the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. Fortunately, Dr. Danny O’Keefe can perform gum contouring to remove excess tissue and create a beautiful new frame for your smile. Dr. O'Keefe can determine if gum contouring is right for you during a consultation at our Flowood, MS, practice.

Gum contouring can remove excess tissue and create a beautiful new frame for your smile.

The Aesthetic Role of Gums

Gums can play a big part in the appearance of your smile. Even if you have straight, white teeth with no imperfections, if you show too much gum tissue when you smile, it can make teeth look worn. By removing a specific amount of excess tissue, your smile can look far healthier and more dazzling.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring (also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting) is the surgical reshaping of the gum line. It is usually a conservative treatment involving the removal of only a small amount of tissue, but the procedure can make a significant difference in the appearance of your smile. Most patients undergo gum contouring for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes gum contouring is part of other periodontal procedures such as pocket reduction.

Candidates

To undergo gum contouring, your teeth and gums must be in good health. If you have oral health issues such as cavities or damaged teeth, you should have those issues addressed prior to undergoing gum contouring or any cosmetic procedure. You may be a good candidate for gum contouring if you have:

• Excess upper gum tissue that makes your smile look "gummy"
• An uneven gum line
• Certain periodontal issues like gum pockets

Even if you have straight, white teeth with no imperfections, if you show too much gum tissue when you smile, it can make teeth look worn.

Procedure

During your consultation, Dr. O’Keefe will thoroughly examine your smile and explain the treatment options for improving your gum line. If you decide to undergo gum contouring, Dr. O’Keefe will mark the new gum line so that you can visualize the results in advance of the procedure. Then he will numb the area and remove the excess gum tissue. Once the gum contouring is completed, you should limit your activities for that day. Total healing time will take from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you should avoid spicy foods and foods with seeds. When flossing and brushing, use a gentle touch.

Benefits

Gum contouring can be part of a complete smile makeover. Often, Dr. O’Keefe pairs gum contouring with dental veneers to achieve maximum symmetry in a patient's smile. Meanwhile, gum contouring can reduce the risk of gingivitis. With Dr. O’Keefe’s skill and expertise, the results from contouring can improve your overall appearance as well as your confidence.

Make an Appointment Today

When you feel confident about the appearance of your smile, it makes a positive impression on everyone you meet. If you feel your teeth look short, worn, or underdeveloped, it may be due to excess gum tissue. Dr. O'Keefe can examine your smile and determine if gum contouring is right for you during a consultation. Schedule your consultation today.