What Is Gum Contouring and Reshaping New Rochelle, NY
Gum contouring is a safe, smile-enhancing remedy for uneven gum lines. Dentists use gum contouring to cut away excess oral tissue and reshape the gum line to improve the patient's oral health. The procedure has aesthetic benefits as well.
Gum contouring is available at Zen Dentistry Westchester in New Rochelle and the surrounding area. By reshaping gums that have receded and removing excess tissue, dentists can enhance oral health and reduce the risk of tooth loss. If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your gums, gum contouring could be the solution you need. Learn more by calling (914) 826-8363 today to schedule an appointment.
What Gum Reshaping Is
Also known as gum reshaping, gum contouring involves cutting away excess oral tissue or replacing receding gums. It is primarily used as a cosmetic procedure to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile. It is also used to reduce the risk of teeth falling out by securing them when receding gums provide little stability.
According to WebMD, gum reshaping is necessary for several periodontal procedures such as pocket reduction and crown lengthening. In other cases, this procedure can help to restore the health of a patient's gums, as well. Thanks to offering both cosmetic and medical benefits, this is a beneficial procedure for patients who need multiple solutions to restore their smile.
“Also known as gum reshaping, gum contouring involves cutting away excess oral tissue or replacing receding gums.”
Benefits of a Gum Contouring Procedure
Gum contouring offers both medical and cosmetic benefits. In general, reshaping the gum line improves one's smile and helps prevent future dental issues. The specific benefits associated with this procedure include:
- Evens the gum line: When the gum line is uneven, it can actually cause the teeth to look crooked. If the teeth do not look straight but the dentist says braces are not needed, contouring may be the answer. It can balance and even up the smile.
- Reduces the gum line: When there is extra gum tissue, it can result in a gummy smile. It can also dull the color of the teeth. When this excess tissue is removed, one of the results is whiter-looking teeth, which greatly brightens the smile.
- Fights tooth decay: One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is that it helps fight decay in the mouth. Excess gum tissue can trap food, which makes it harder to clean. This results in bacteria leading to tooth decay.
“One of the biggest benefits of reshaping the gum line is it helps fight decay in the mouth.”
How the Gum Contouring Process Works
First, a dentist will examine the patient to determine if gum reshaping is necessary for medical reasons or strictly a cosmetic procedure. If it is medically necessary, the dentist must first treat the underlying cause of the issue. Then, the dentist can use a scalpel or laser to cut away overgrown tissue. If the patient has a receding gum line, the dentist will graft part of the existing gums onto the gum line.
For cosmetic procedures, the dentist will use a pen to mark the desired gum line before beginning the surgery. During the consultation, we can review all possible treatment options with the patient to determine which option is best to meet their needs.
“If it is medically necessary, the dentist must first treat the underlying cause of the issue.”
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The Recovery Process for Gum Reshaping
Though gum reshaping requires little downtime, it may take days or weeks for patients to heal completely. However, recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery. Patients may have to limit their activities for one or two days, depending on how they feel and any tenderness they have. We will provide specific post-surgery dietary instructions to the patients.
In most cases, patients will usually have a follow-up appointment anywhere from a few days to a week after the procedure to monitor healing. This is also a chance for the patient to bring up any questions or concerns they have about maintaining their oral health and new smile.
“Though gum reshaping requires little downtime, it may take days or weeks for patients to heal completely.”
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Lifestyle Restrictions While Recovering from Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is typically completed in a single appointment and has a recovery period of a few days to several weeks. During that time, patients may experience sore gums and will be restricted from hard and spicy foods. Patients should eat soft foods until the healing process is complete. They will also be required to be extremely gentle when brushing their teeth and may be prescribed an antibiotic mouthwash to prevent infection from occurring.
Our team is here to help guide the patient throughout the recovery process. During the consultation, we can also review how to maintain their oral health after the initial procedure. If a patient has any concerns about their gums or teeth after the procedure, we encourage them to call us as soon as possible. We can schedule an appointment to examine their teeth and help them receive the treatment they need.
“Gum contouring is typically completed in a single appointment and has a recovery period of several weeks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is gum reshaping comfortable?
A. Most patients feel no pain during the reshaping procedure because most dentists use a local anesthetic to numb their mouths. However, many patients experience minor discomfort for several days after the operation. Over-the-counter medications such as Aleve®, Motrin®, Advil®, and Tylenol® should relieve any soreness.
Q. Does insurance cover the cost of gum reshaping?
A. Patients should contact their insurance providers to determine the cost of this procedure. Not all insurance companies will cover it if it is only for cosmetic purposes. Some plans may cover the cost only if the treatment is medically necessary.
Q. Are there any risks with gum reshaping?
A. There are few risks associated with gum contouring. Some patients may develop infections that can easily be cured with antibiotics. Others may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, but this is extremely rare.
Q. Who is a candidate for gum reshaping?
A. Anyone unsatisfied with the appearance of their gum line is a candidate for this procedure. The American Academy of Periodontology states that this treatment can be particularly beneficial for patients whose gum lines have shifted due to tooth loss. Because this procedure also has medical benefits, it is an effective solution for patients with periodontal disease.
Q. How is gum contouring performed?
A. Dentists use a pen to mark the desired gumline. Next, they use either a scalpel or a laser to remove excess tissue. Then, grafted gums are stitched together so the healing process can begin.
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Gum Disease Terminology
Learn More About Gum Contouring
If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for gum reshaping, we can help. We will evaluate your gums and teeth, discuss your personal goals, and go over the most effective options. For additional questions about gum contouring, give our office a call at 914-826-8363.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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