Gum Contouring in West Brattleboro, VT

A “gummy smile” occurs when the top part of the tooth is concealed by excessive gum tissue. At Dental Health, gum contouring is performed to sculpt the smile by removing the excess soft tissue and exposing more of the tooth. Not only can gum contouring give you a more aesthetically appealing smile, but it can also improve your oral health by reducing areas where bacteria often gets trapped. This lowers your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified Dental Health team at our office in Brattleboro, VT to learn more about cosmetic gum contouring.

Gum contouring can create a more proportionate smile while improving your overall oral health. You may be a candidate for gum contouring if you want to enhance the look of your smile by diminishing a “gummy” appearance. If your gums appear too low, gum contouring can create a higher, more even gumline. This treatment is also beneficial if you have problems with chronic oral infections or gum disease due to bacteria hiding under excess gum tissue.

Gum contouring is an in-office dental procedure done with a mild local anesthetic. Sedation may be an option if you have anxiety or fears about dental treatments. Prior to the actual procedure, your teeth and gums will be cleaned and dried. A member of our team will then use a laser to remove excess gum tissue to sculpt a balanced gumline. The laser seals the tissue for minimal bleeding during the procedure. Once your gumline is the right shape, we will clean your mouth so you can see your results. Generally, the entire procedure can be done in just one visit.

Following the reshaping procedure, our Dental Health team will explain aftercare instructions. We may prescribe antibiotics if signs of an infection were noticed during the treatment. Your gums may be swollen for a few weeks, but with a proper oral health routine of daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, your gums will begin to heal. You should continue to schedule annual dental exams so we can monitor the health of your teeth and gums.

Since gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, it is not typically covered by insurance companies. However, Dental Health accepts many payment methods. Our team will talk about cost estimates during your consultation as well as information on low-interest medical financing to help make your treatment more affordable.

Contouring your gums at Dental Health is a great procedure for multiple reasons — it can enhance the overall appearance of a "gummy" smile and it can reduce your risk of an oral infection. Whether you want to have more confidence in your smile or improve your oral health, gum contouring may be a good choice for you. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our office in Brattleboro, VT to book your consultation with Dental Health.