v-counter

Gummy Smile
and Gum Contouring
Fishers, IN

Gum contouring for a gummy smile is a cosmetic procedure used to change the shape of your gums.

Gum contouring for a gummy smile is a cosmetic procedure used to change the shape of your gums. Vita Dental can use this procedure to cosmetically remove excessive gum tissue that is giving you a “gummy” smile or restore gum tissue that has receded and is now exposing too much of your teeth.

At Vita Dental our thoughtful team will always put your care first. We work harmoniously to provide you with a stress free and state-of-the-art experience. At Vita Dental we focus diligently on providing you with the best dental service available while earning your trust and confidence. We concentrate on creating a very calming space to satisfy patients of all ages. Do not hesitate to call us today at 317-288-4226 with any questions you might have regarding an evaluation for a gummy smile or gum contouring and join our family today!

Gummy smile contouring can also be beneficial for medical reasons. If you are interested in an evaluation because you are experiencing gum disease, we will first examine you to confirm if you have the condition, discuss your treatment options, and then proceed to eliminate the actual disease. You may need a gum contouring procedure to restore your gums that have receded and are now putting the health of your teeth, roots, and jawbone at risk. Gum contouring and grafting can help save your teeth.

Most often gum recession is caused by gum disease, but you could also experience gum recession from aggressive brushing your teeth, or taking a prescription drug, or even your genetics. In any of these situations, as with gum disease, restoring your gum tissue is still beneficial for your total optimum oral health.

Call us today for more information or to get started on your new dental journey!

Are You Possibly a Candidate for Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring can be a selective decision that is based on your perception of your gums in relationship with your smile. When you smile you want a balance of teeth and gums that are visible. If your gums are uneven, or they cover too much or too little of your teeth, then you might be a good candidate for gum contouring at Vita Dental. 

Gum contouring and gum shaping are interchangeable terms. Some offices may use the terms based on the dental tools used. The approach and objectives are similar. Both gum contouring and gum reshaping are excellent options to improve your gummy smile and improve your overall gum health. The risks are minimal. They amount to a possible infection or having a reaction to the anesthesia. If you have had surgery and anesthesia before, it is unlikely that you will have a bad reaction this time. If you follow the aftercare instructions, your risk for infection will be extremely limited.

The Healing Process After Gum Contouring

The healing process will also depend on the type of tools we use to complete the procedure. When we use a scalpel for your gum contouring, sutures are necessary and there will be some mild irritation. Often, we can use lasers to treat the gums without cutting or sutures, decreasing your recovery time. You will experience some minor swelling and discomfort afterward. You can control both by applying ice packs to your face for 15 minutes at a time and using an over-the-counter pain reliever. We will also suggest diet restrictions. You will need to pay attention to what you eat. Since your gums will be sensitive, you should avoid eating anything that is sharp or that could poke or irritate your gums in any way. We will advise you to stick with a soft diet of soup, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, etc. for a few days. If your gum contouring was performed using a scalpel, Vita Dental will schedule a follow-up visit. We will examine the gums to determine if everything is healing properly. If so, you will be able to return to all your normal dietary habits. We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse to use to combat any possible infection, and when you do brush your teeth, you must be very gentle and careful.

Get in Touch with Vita

Use the contact form below or call us at (317) 288-4226

The Gum Contouring Procedure

We will begin with the administration of a local anesthetic. Once the soft tissue is numb, we will use a surgical scalpel to reshape the gum contour as desired. If we use the scalpel method, we will finish with some surgical sutures. We may use a dental laser if your case deems necessary. The benefit of this approach is that the laser not only trims the tissue but eliminates the need for sutures. You might feel some discomfort upon completion.

Are There Other Treatment Options?

The conscientious team at Vita Dental will conduct a thorough examination and take x-rays before determining why you are not happy with your smile. We can suggest some options based on our findings. If you do not need gum contouring for medical reasons, we might suggest other cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or dental bonding if we think those options will deliver the results you are seeking. If your gums remain an obvious issue, we will explore gum contouring, and we can then make a recommendation for the best way for us to proceed.

Is Gum Contouring Covered by Dental Insurance?

Vita Dental will determine the cause during your evaluation and our staff will submit an inquiry. Insurance coverage often depends on whether you are receiving the treatment to restore gums damaged by gum disease or if you are having it done cosmetically to improve a gummy smile and your appearance. Typically, if it is for health reasons, the insurance company will pay for at least part of it.

v-counter

We Put Patients First

AT VITA DENTAL

If you have questions about Vita Dental or any of the procedures we offer, please contact our office at (317) 288-4226 or via an online contact form. We will gladly schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your treatment options.

We Love Our Patients!

The compassionate team at Vita Dental is confident that you will always be comfortable in our caring and comprehensive office. As you step into our clinic, we will treat you like family because you are both our friends and our neighbors. We focus our every effort on providing you exceptional, high quality dental care in a relaxing environment. Give us a call today at 317-288-4226 with any questions regarding an evaluation for a gummy smile and gum contouring, or any concerns you might have. 

Vita Dental is a modern dental practice serving Fishers, Indiana, and the surrounding communities. You can find Vita Dental at 11630 Olio Rd, #100, Fishers, IN 46037.

What Our Patients Are Saying

TESTIMONIALS

Make an appointment today!

BECOME A NEW PATIENT

Get to Know Us

What Makes Us Special

Dr-Berry-Headshot

Experienced Team

04-09-2021 Vita Dental-001

Amazing Office

04-09-2021 Vita Dental-009

Affordable Dentistry