Gum contouring is a dental procedure that aims to improve the gum line to improve the mouth’s health and appearance. This helps create a more balanced mouth appearance, exposing more of the teeth surface and reducing the accumulation of bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. 

This procedure is ideal for those patients who have excess, uneven gums or those who just want to improve the appearance of their smile. 

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gingivoplasty, is a dental procedure that aims to improve the shape, line and symmetry of the gums that surround the teeth. 

This procedure is recommended for aesthetic and functional reasons, removing small parts of soft tissues to reveal more of the tooth surface and to create a more natural and balanced smile. 

Most of the time, it is recommended for patients who have a “gummy smile”, uneven gums or excessive gum line that covers a lot of the tooth surface. 

Besides huge improvements in the appearance of the smile, gum contouring also offers health benefits, making oral care easier and preventing periodontal issues. When the gum line is too broad or asymmetrical, it can accumulate bacteria and increase the risk of inflammation and infection in the future. 

In most cases, the procedure will be performed in a single session, under the effect of local anaesthesia using a laser or a specialised dental scalpel. Due to its minimally invasive nature, the recovery period is short, and most patients will be able to return to their normal activities in a couple of days. 

Gum contouring is a simple procedure which can make a huge difference in the mouth’s condition and appearance. It can be recommended as an effective solution for those looking to improve the balance between the teeth and the gums without the need for more complex surgical treatments. 

When Is This Procedure Recommended?

Gum contouring procedure will be recommended in cases when the position or shape of the gums negatively impacts the health and appearance of the mouth. 

One of the most common cases, when this treatment is recommended, will be “gummy smile” – the gums cover a considerable amount of tooth surface, making the smile look unbalanced and the teeth smaller. This procedure will help reveal more of the tooth surface and create a more symmetrical and beautiful gum line. 

This treatment will also be recommended in cases when the gum line is uneven on one side of the mouth or when the gums make oral care difficult. In some cases, gum contouring is also a part of a more complex treatment, like dental veneers or crowns, where the balance between the gums and teeth is essential. 

Additionally, dentists will recommend gum contouring for therapeutic reasons, especially when excess gum tissues become the perfect environment for infections and periodontal diseases. 

How Does Gum Contouring Affect Oral Health?

Eliminates Hard-to-Clean Areas

When gums cover a big part of the teeth, oral care will become more difficult and less effective. Contouring will help expose the hidden surface of the teeth, making the use of dental floss and a toothbrush easier.

Minimises the risk of infection and inflammation

Uneven gum line can accumulate bacteria, which lead to inflammation, swelling and bleeding. Reshaping them creates a healthier environment, which will prevent infections from occurring. 

Helps prevent periodontal disease

This procedure reduces the likelihood of gingivitis or periodontitis, two of the most common dental issues related to the gumline. Once the gums are reshaped, it will be easier for the patient to maintain oral health for a long time. 

Improves overall oral health

Once the gums are healed and they become smoother, everyday care becomes simpler. This helps keep the bacterial plaque in control and prevents bad breath. 

Makes Cleaning Between Teeth Easy

Once the procedure is over and the gums are reshaped, the spaces between the teeth will be easier to clean with dental floss or specialised dental instruments. This will reduce the risk of cavities and issues related to the tooth root. 

Increases Protection of Roots and Tooth Support Structures

Asymmetrical gum line can leave some areas of the tooth root exposed or covered in an unnatural way. Contouring creates a reshaped coverage that protects the teeth and the bones around them. 

Better balance between aesthetics and health

Having a symmetrical gum line is not just about aesthetics- it also means that the gum line is healthy and maintained. This balance helps the patient feel better about their appearance and improves mouth function.  

Gum Contouring Procedure Step By Step

Gum contouring is a simple and pain-free dental procedure which is performed in a single session. However, in order to guarantee a successful and safe result, the process should be carefully assessed and precise follow-up of steps by the dentist. Here is a step-by-step of this procedure and what it involves:

Initial Consultation And Assessment

Before the procedure begins, the dentist will make a thorough evaluation of the gums and teeth to decide whether the gum contouring treatment is the right choice. This includes visual examination, measuring the gum line and sometimes the use of X-rays to have a close look at the inner structures. 

The dentist will also evaluate any signs of periodontal disease or any other factor that can influence the final results. Once the dentist decides on the treatment plan, the patient will be notified of the procedure steps and what to expect. 

Application Of Local Anaesthesia

To make sure that the procedure is smooth and pain-free, the dentist will administer local anaesthesia to the treated area.

This will numb the gums so the patient won’t feel anything during the contouring. In most cases, anaesthesia will act within a matter of minutes, and sedation won’t be necessary, making the procedure easier and less invasive. 

Gum Reshaping

Once the mouth area is numb, the dentist will continue reshaping the gums. This process is performed by using a dental laser or small dental instruments manually, which are designed to remove the excess tissues. 

The dentist will carefully reshape a smooth and symmetrical gum line, exposing more of the tooth surface and improving the overall smile appearance. If the procedure is performed by laser, one of the advantages is that bleeding is minimal, and you will recover faster. 

The End Results And Aftercare

Once the gum contouring procedure is over, the area will be cleaned and checked for any possible sensitivity. The patient won’t need incisions most time and will be able to return to their normal activities relatively fast. 

The dentist will provide clear after-care advice, including avoiding hard foods, maintaining good oral care and the use of any medication if necessary. In most cases, the patients report little to no issues during or after the procedure. 

Is The Gum Contouring Procedure Painful?

Gum contouring is a pain-free procedure due to the use of local anaesthesia that numbs the area before the treatment starts. 

The patient will only feel a light feeling of pressure or a feeling of vibration during the treatment, but not pain. This makes the procedure worthwhile for every individual and not at all traumatic. 

Once the procedure is over, most patients will only feel a little uncomfortable or sensitivity in the treated area, which will eventually go down in a matter of one to two days. 

If the procedure is performed using a laser, the recovery is even faster and smoother, due to minimal bleeding and immediate disinfection of the soft tissues. Overall, gum contouring is considered a simple procedure, low risk and a smooth experience for the patient. 

Recovery After Gum Contouring

Recovery after gum contouring is quick and free of complications. Most of the patients will feel better in a matter of 1-2 days, and they will be able to return to their normal activities on the same day of the procedure. In cases when the procedure is performed with a laser, recovery is even quicker due to minimal bleeding and soft tissue trauma. 

During the first few days after the procedure, you will feel a light sensitivity in the treated gums, especially while eating or brushing the teeth. In most cases, this feeling will go down on its own, but the dentist can recommend a saline water rinse, calming gels or light analgesics if necessary. Full recovery will take 7 to 10 days in total. 

Aesthetic And Health Benefits

Exposes more of the tooth surface, improving the smile

Gum contouring helps remove excess gum tissue that covers the teeth, exposing more of their natural surface. This makes the teeth look more symmetrical and beautiful, making the smile look more appealing. 

Reshapes the gumline for a more symmetrical appearance

Uneven gums can make the smile look irregular or asymmetrical. Contouring will create a more balanced and straight gum line, which will improve the aesthetic proportion between the gums and teeth. 

Reduces the Appearance of a “Gummy Smile”

People who have a gummy smile will benefit a lot from the gum contouring procedure. Reducing their appearance will make the teeth look longer, and the smile will look more natural and elegant. 

Improves the aesthetic balance between the teeth and gums

Mouth appearance will depend on the harmony between gums and teeth. Gum contouring helps achieve this balance, making the mouth look healthier and improved. 

Makes dental care easier

When gums are well-shaped, it is easier to keep the teeth clean. After this procedure, the patient will be able to reach those small spaces with interdental brushes or dental floss. This reduces the possibility og p;aque accumulation and helps keep the mouth clean every day.

Reduces the risk of periodontal disease and inflammation

Excess or uneven gums accumulate bacteria, which will lead to gingivitis or infection. Gum contouring will help create a healthier mouth environment that prevents these issues from developing.

Improves self-esteem

Having a beautiful smile will directly affect self-esteem. When patients feel safer in their appearance, this will reflect in communication, photography and personal or professional relationships. 

Helps Prevent Premature Ageing of Gums

Gum line affects the teeth’s support and helps maintain proper mouth shape. Gum remodelling will help protect the teeth from premature recession, maintaining its shape nd form for a long time. 

Post-Procedure Care

After a gum contouring procedure, it is important to follow some simple but effective steps that will help with the recovery process and prevent complications. Proper care will not only speed up the recovery but will also help maintain aesthetic and functional results achieved by the treatment.

• Avoid hard, hot and spicy foods for 2-3 days after the procedure.
• Use a saline water rinse, a couple of times a day, to help the gums recover. 
• Don’t use hard-bristle tooth brushes in the treated area – a soft-bristle tooth brush is recommended for the first few days.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption since they prolong the recovery.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully for using medications, if prescribed.
• Do not touch the gums with your fingers or tongue to avoid irritation.
• Return for your next checkup if your dentist has recommended it – this ensures that healing is progressing normally.
• If you experience pain, continuous bleeding or signs of infection, immediately contact the dentist. 

Are The Results Permanent?

Yes, in most cases, gum contouring results are permanent. When soft tissues are removed and the gums get reshaped, they will not return to their normal state. When excess gums are removed and the gum line is reshaped, they won’t return to their normal state. 

This is because the procedure permanently removes parts of the tissue that are not necessary for normal gum function.

However, in order to maintain the results, it is important to take good care of oral health and to avoid factors that can affect the gums, such as periodontal disease or the use of medicine that can cause them to regrow.

In rare cases, slight improvements or changes can be necessary, but usually a second procedure won’t be necessary. 

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Is Gum Contouring Painful?

No, the procedure is not painful since it is performed with local anaesthesia. Most of the patients only feel a slight discomfort or sensitivity after the treatment, which will eventually go down in a matter of days. 

How Long Will The Procedure Take?

Gum contouring normally takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth that will be treated and the complexity of the gum shape. 

Will I Need To Recover After The Procedure?

Not necessarily. Most of the patients will return to their normal activities on the same day or the next one. However, it is recommended to avoid hard foods and intense activities for a couple of days.

Are There Any Side Effect After Gum Contouring?

Side effects after gum contouring are rare and include temporary sensitivity or minimal bleeding. If you follow the dentist’s recommendations, recovery will be fast and without complications. 

Is The Procedure Only Aesthetic, Or Does It Also Help With Oral Health?

Gum contouring offers many benefits, including aesthetics and health. Besides improving the appearance of the smile, it also helps make cleaning easier and prevents periodontal disease.

Can This Procedure Be Combined With Other Dental Treatments?

Yes, gum contouring can be combined with dental veneers, teeth whitening or dental crowns to fully transform the smile.