What is gum contouring? Gum contouring is a dental procedure that reshapes your gums or evens out your gumline. It’s sometimes referred to as the “gummy smile surgery” because it can shorten the gumline, making teeth look longer, and improving your overall smile. By gently removing or reshaping small amounts of gum tissue, a dentist or periodontist can create a more balanced, natural-looking smile. If you need gum contouring in Utah, we have offices conveniently located near Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Sandy, and West Valley.
What Is Laser Contouring?
Gum contouring is generally done with a laser today, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Many dentists and periodontists prefer lasers because they’re precise, cause less bleeding, and usually result in a faster recovery. This means less soreness and quicker healing for patients.
That said, there are still times when gum contouring is done using traditional tools. The method depends on how much reshaping is needed, your gum health, and the provider’s approach. In most cosmetic or mild cases, laser contouring is the go-to option.
Gum Contouring Cost
The cost of gum contouring can vary quite a bit depending on how much work needs to be done and where you live. A good ballpark is $400 to $3,000. For small cosmetic adjustments like evening out a slightly uneven gum line, you’re usually closer to the lower end. If a larger area needs reshaping or it’s part of more extensive treatment, such as preparing for veneers or orthodontic work, the price can be higher.
Insurance coverage also depends on the situation. Since gum contouring is often done for cosmetic reasons, many dental plans won’t cover the full cost. However, if a dentist can show that extra gum tissue is causing issues like inflammation, irritation, or trouble keeping the area clean, some plans may cover part of the procedure as a periodontal treatment. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to understand what might be covered and what your out-of-pocket cost could be.
What To Expect Before Gum Contouring Surgery
It’s helpful to know that there usually isn’t a lot of prep involved before this surgery, and nothing about the process is overly intense. Your dentist or periodontist will walk you through what’s happening so there aren’t any surprises on procedure day.
- A consultation where your gum line is evaluated, and photos or measurements may be taken
- A discussion about your goals and whether laser contouring is the best option
- A review of your dental health to make sure your gums are healthy enough
- An explanation of cost, insurance coverage, and healing time
- Instructions on eating, medications, or oral care before your appointment
- Reassurance about numbing so you know you won’t feel pain during the procedure
What Happens During the Surgery
- The area is fully numbed, so you stay comfortable the entire time
- A laser or specialized tool is used to reshape the gum line gently
- You may feel slight pressure or warmth, but not sharp pain
- Bleeding is usually minimal, especially with laser treatment
- The dentist checks symmetry as they go to keep the result natural
- The procedure often takes less than an hour for most cases
- You can usually sit up and talk right after it’s finished
Gum Contouring Surgery Recovery
- Mild soreness or tenderness for a few days
- Some swelling that gradually goes down
- A gum line that looks slightly red as it heals
- You’ll feel more comfortable sticking to soft foods
- Gentle brushing around the area while it recovers
- Gradual improvement in comfort each day
- A noticeable change in your smile once healing is complete
Risks and Benefits
Gum contouring surgery has been used for years and is especially reliable with modern laser techniques. Most patients heal without any complications and are back to normal routines quickly. This is why it’s such a common option when you’re not happy with your gumline.
There are lots of benefits from this simple procedure. An even gum line can make teeth look longer, more balanced, and more natural without changing the teeth themselves. Many people also find that daily brushing and flossing feel easier once excess gum tissue is gone. Beyond appearance, there’s often a boost in confidence. Smiling feels more natural when you’re not concerned about your gums, and that alone can make the procedure feel totally worth it.
Recovery Tips
During recovery, a few simple habits can make a big difference in how quickly things heal. Stick to lukewarm foods and drinks and avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic. These can really irritate healing gums. It’s also a good idea to skip straws, smoking, and vaping for at least several days because suction and heat can slow healing and cause unnecessary irritation. Alcohol can also dry out the tissue, so avoiding it early on helps the gums settle faster.
When it comes to care, rinse gently with salt water or any solution your dentist recommends, but definitely avoid aggressive swishing. Keep your mouth clean, just be extra careful around the treated area, and let it heal at its own pace. Try not to poke or pull at the gums with your tongue or fingers, even if they feel different than before. Giving your body time to heal, staying hydrated, and following any post-procedure instructions closely all help keep recovery on track.
When To Contact Your Periodontist After Surgery
You should contact your periodontist right away if you notice ongoing or heavy bleeding, increasing pain after the first few days, or swelling that keeps getting worse. Signs of infection, like fever, pus, or a really bad taste, should also be red flags. If the area starts to look very dark, doesn’t seem to be healing, or if you have concerns about how your gums look or feel, scheduling a follow-up visit is the safest move.
FAQs
Does It Hurt?
Most people are surprised by how little gum contouring actually hurts. The area is numbed before the procedure, so you usually feel pressure or movement but not pain. During laser contouring, many patients feel almost nothing at all while it’s being done.
Afterward, there can be some mild soreness or tenderness, similar to a scraped gum or minor burn. This usually lasts a few days and is easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Most people would describe the procedure as somewhat uncomfortable but not painful.
Is It Permanent?
Yes, gum contouring is generally considered permanent. Once excess gum tissue is removed and the gum line heals, it usually stays in its new shape. For most people, the gums don’t grow back to where they were before, especially when the procedure is done for cosmetic reasons on healthy gums.
That said, long-term results still depend on good oral care. Gum disease, poor hygiene, or certain medical conditions can cause gums to change over time. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits helps protect the results and keeps your smile looking the way you expect.
Is It Safe?
Gum contouring is considered very safe when it’s done by a trained dentist or periodontist. But, like any dental procedure, there’s always the chance of some minor risks. Temporary soreness, swelling, or sensitivity is common during healing. In rare cases, there can be infection, delayed healing, or gum irritation, especially if oral hygiene is ignored afterward. Choosing an experienced provider and following aftercare instructions greatly reduces these risks and helps for a smoother recovery.
How Soon Will I See The Final Results?
You’ll usually notice a difference in your smile right away, even on the same day as the procedure. The gum line might look a little puffy or uneven at first, which is normal while the tissue settles. That early change still gives you a good idea of the overall improvement.
The finished results take a bit more time as the gums finish healing and tightening into place. For most people, things look more settled after a few weeks, with the final shape becoming clear over the next month or so. Once healing is complete, the results tend to look very natural and not like anything artificial was done.
Conclusion on Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a fairly common option for people who want their smile to feel more balanced or easier to care for, without doing anything too extreme. When you understand the process, recovery, and benefits, it becomes less about “surgery” and more about making a small change that can have a lasting impact on how you enjoy your smile.
If you have concerns about your gum health or simply don’t love how your gum line looks, come see us at Utah Periodontal Specialists. Our patients keep coming back because they appreciate how relaxed and informative the experience feels. We take time to listen, explain options clearly, and make sure you feel comfortable at every step.
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