Everything You Need To Know About Gum Reduction
Gum contouring is a surgical process of reshaping your gums; it is also called gingival sculpting. It is mainly meant for cosmetic purposes, but sometimes your dentist may suggest it if you have issues with your gums that may affect your oral health.
The appearance of your gums greatly affects your smile, some gums may be too big, or receded making them appear so small.
Causes of Uneven Gums
Some factors can cause your gums to appear too high or too low. Gums that cover most of your jaw make your teeth appear small. This can be due to genetics, taking some prescribed drugs, or a particular health problem.
Gums that appear too high make your teeth look long. This is often caused by gum recession, a condition that causes your gums to pull back from the tooth and exposes their root. Gum recession can cause serious dental problems such as tooth decay and tooth loss. It can also be a sign of periodontal disease.
What to Expect During the Gum Reduction Procedure
Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue or gingiva. It takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the gum tissue that needs to be removed by your dentist. The procedure for a single tooth or several teeth takes only a single session. Major reshaping or removal may take several visits to your dentist if your dentist wants the area to heal before moving to the next.
The procedure commonly done by a periodontist or cosmetic dentist involves the following steps:
- First, your dentist will inject local anesthesia on your gum to numb the area.
- The next step is soft tissue incision, where your dentist uses a scalpel to cut away from your gum tissue pieces.
- Your dentist will keep a suction tool in your mouth to remove saliva.
- Once the needed gum tissue has been removed, your dentist will vaporize the remaining tissue using a laser tool. They will also reshape your gumline.
- Finally, your dentist will put bandages and soft putty-like substances on the area to protect it from bacteria as they heal.
Does The Procedure Hurt?
Your dentist will inject local anesthesia to numb the area, so you will not feel any pain when they are working on your gums. But you can feel some tenderness and numbness afterward. The discomfort you will experience depends on how much tissue is removed or how your gums are reshaped. Your doctor may also prescribe some pain relievers or over-the-counter drugs to relieve the pain.
Your dentist can also advise you on some home remedies to reduce the pain after the surgery, and they may include applying a cold compress or ice pack to your mouth. It is advisable to use the cold compress for at least 15 minutes at a time.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From The Procedure?
Complete healing can take a few days or weeks, depending on the amount of gum tissue removed or reshaped. Your dentist will also advise you to limit some activities after the surgery. You will be advised to take only soft food for two to three days. The soft include soup, yogurt, soft vegetables, applesauce, and many more.
Your dentist will also provide you with a diet that you should switch to after the surgery. To enhance quick recovery, you will have to have follow-up appointments a few days after the surgery. This is meant to check your gums for any sign of infection and monitor the healing.
Risk Factors of the Procedure
No surgery has no risks, and the following are the risks that come with gum reduction surgery:
- Relapse of your gum tissue
- Allergic reaction to the local anesthesia
Finding a Dentist in Ajax
If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist specializing in gum reduction in Ajax, Ontario, visit Rossland Landing Dental Care. We will help you restore the aesthetic of your gums, teeth, and overall smile. You can discuss with your dentist if gum reduction surgery is right for you. Your dentist can also show you charts of gum reduction before and after done to other patients. Call us today and book an appointment.