What is gum contouring? Is it scary? What are the pros and cons?

Gum contouring has become widely known and popular, especially for those who have visible gums when they smile (Gummy Smile), excessive gum coverage that makes teeth appear short (Short Teeth), or uneven gum lines where the gums around each tooth are not symmetrical. These issues can lead to a lack of confidence and affect one’s overall appearance. Gum contouring is an effective solution to address these concerns, helping to create a more balanced smile and enhance self-confidence.

What is Gum Contouring? Is it Scary?

Although the term “gum contouring” may sound intimidating, it is actually quite beneficial for those with gum-related issues. Gum contouring, or gum surgery (Gum Contouring Surgery), is a procedure that involves reshaping the gums to address gum health problems and improve the balance of the smile. The goal is to design the gums and teeth in harmony with each individual’s facial features, resulting in a beautiful and natural-looking outcome.

Typically, gum contouring is performed in combination with other dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction, root canal treatments, orthodontics, and veneers (crowns). The combination of these treatments aims to enhance the overall appearance of the teeth and mouth, ensuring a more aesthetically pleasing result.

What are the Types of Gum Contouring or Gum Surgery?

Gum contouring or gum surgery can be divided into two types based on the objectives and the dentist’s evaluation:

• Gingivectomy
  This method is suitable for individuals who have relatively mild gum issues, such as having an excess of gum tissue that covers the teeth and makes them appear short or unattractive. In this procedure, the dentist uses a laser to trim away the excess gum tissue, creating a more even and aesthetically pleasing gum line. After the procedure, there is minimal swelling, and no sutures or lengthy recovery are required.
• Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
  This procedure involves both gum and bone surgery, where the dentist removes the excess gum tissue and reshapes the bone structure to expose more of the tooth. It is ideal for individuals with excessive gum coverage and/or a prominent bone structure. During this procedure, the dentist will surgically lift the gum to access and reshape the underlying bone. Recovery time is brief, but special care must be taken to avoid infection or inflammation at the incision site.

Who Should Consider Gum Contouring Surgery?

• People with Gummy Smile
  If you smile and your gums are overly visible, making your smile look less aesthetic, it may be due to excess gum tissue. Gum contouring can help reduce this excess tissue, reshaping the gums to create a more balanced and beautiful smile. Often, this procedure is combined with wisdom tooth extraction to enhance the overall appearance of the gums.
• People with Excessive Gum Coverage (Short Teeth)
  When the gum tissue is too thick and covers too much of the teeth, it can cause the teeth to appear short. This can lead to incomplete tooth eruption (Delayed Passive Eruption), speech difficulties, and problems with eating. It may also hide cavities or cracks that could contribute to gum disease in the future. Gum contouring can expose more of the tooth and help restore its proper appearance.
• People with Uneven Gum Lines
  If the gum line is uneven, it can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Gum contouring can help even out the gum line, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• People with Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease
  For patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease, where the gums are thick, or there are deep pockets that cannot be treated through conventional methods, gum contouring can help remove infected gum tissue. This procedure also reduces the risk of the infection spreading to the teeth and bone.
• People with Gum Tumors or Abnormal Gum Growths
  If you have benign tumors (such as fibromas) or abnormal lumps in the gums, gum contouring can be used to remove the excess tissue. This helps improve chewing function and makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.

Types of Gum Contouring Surgery and Their Pros & Cons

There are two main methods for gum contouring: scalpel (traditional) gum surgery and laser gum surgery. Let’s look at each method and their advantages and disadvantages.

Scalpel Gingivectomy (Traditional Method)

This is the traditional method of gum contouring, where a scalpel is used to cut away excess gum tissue along the gum line. After the surgery, the dentist will stitch the wound and schedule a follow-up appointment for suture removal. This method is not as commonly used today because of the disadvantages it has, including more bleeding, a longer recovery period, and a higher risk of infection.

Advantages:

• Lower cost compared to laser gum surgery.
• Suitable for cases of severe gum infection or periodontal disease.

Disadvantages:

• Long recovery time (approximately 3-7 days).
• Considerable bleeding during and after the procedure.
• Higher risk of infection due to open wounds that require careful cleaning.
• Greater risk of scarring and visible marks after the procedure.
• Requires a follow-up visit to remove stitches.
• The dentist’s skill is crucial for precise cutting and controlling bleeding.

Laser Gingivectomy (Laser Gum Surgery)

Laser gum surgery uses a laser device to emit a specific wavelength of light, which removes excess gum tissue, reshapes, and contours the gums to enhance their appearance. This method is more popular than the traditional scalpel method due to its speed, precision, and ability to create a smooth, balanced gum line, revealing the full length of the teeth in a more aesthetic manner.

Advantages:

• Modern technique with higher precision.
• Effective and accurate, providing better results.
• The laser helps stop bleeding and promote healing during the surgery.
• Shorter surgery time compared to scalpel surgery.
• Less pain during and after the procedure.
• Small incisions that do not require stitches.
• Quicker recovery time, typically around 1-2 days.
• The heat generated by the laser helps reduce bacteria and the risk of infection during the procedure.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost compared to scalpel surgery.
• May not be suitable for cases of severe gum infection or periodontal disease.
• Requires the dentist to have specialized skills and expertise in using the laser gum device.

How to Prepare for Gum Contouring Surgery:

• Oral Health Check: Ensure any dental issues, such as cavities or tartar, are treated at least 2 weeks before the gum contouring procedure.
• Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery, as smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of gum inflammation.
• Inform the Dentist: If you have any underlying health conditions, take medications regularly, or have a history of allergic reactions, be sure to inform your dentist before the procedure.
• X-ray and Evaluation: The dentist will perform X-rays to assess the bone level and determine the best approach for reshaping your gums.

Post-Surgery Care for Gum Contouring:

• For Scalpel Gingivectomy: Avoid brushing the area where the gum was cut for about 3 days. Instead, use dental floss and an antiseptic mouthwash to clean your mouth, twice a day, for 1 minute each time.
• For Laser Gingivectomy: You can brush your teeth as usual, but do so gently and carefully.
• Pain Management: You may take pain relief medication if you experience discomfort in the treated area.
• Antibiotics: Finish the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your dentist to prevent infection.
• Dietary Restrictions: Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods to prevent irritation to the surgical area.
• Physical Activity: Avoid activities like boxing or anything that could impact your teeth or gums.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
• Follow-up Appointments: Visit your dentist for follow-up appointments to monitor healing, and continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months.

Finally, choosing the right gum contouring method depends on various factors such as the nature of your gum health problem, budget, aesthetic preferences, and the expertise of the dentist. If you’re considering gum surgery, you can consult with our expert dentists at The Tooth Club. We offer free consultations with no charges. Our clinic is committed to providing beautiful, confident smiles and maintaining strong oral health, all under the care of specialized dentists using modern, internationally recognized equipment at an affordable price without hidden costs.

FAQs

• Is gum contouring expensive? How much does it cost?

Answer: The price of gum contouring varies depending on the clinic and the healthcare facility. On average, the cost starts at around 1,000-3,000 THB per tooth. If it involves both gum and bone contouring, the cost starts at 3,000-5,000 THB per tooth.

• Where should I go for gum contouring?

Answer: It’s important to choose a clinic that meets the required standards, with a valid healthcare provider license and accreditation. The clinic should have modern equipment, be clean, and have a team of specialized dentists who can plan the treatment appropriately. The clinic should offer clear and reasonable pricing and provide post-treatment follow-ups.
At The Tooth Club, we have a team of experienced dentists with specialized knowledge in various dental fields. We use modern technology and equipment, maintain strict hygiene protocols, and follow international standards. This ensures that our patients can trust that their treatment is safe, tailored to their needs, and given with the utmost care, just like a member of our family.