Did you know that every person has a different kind of gumline? While having high gumlines is common, having low gumlines is also not unheard of.

Either way, in case you are unhappy with how your gumline is looking, you can opt for a gum contouring procedure.
This process is also known as gingival sculpting and as the name suggests, it relates to reshaping your gumline.
While it is usually for beauty purposes, in certain cases, your doctor may suggest that you get this treatment in case there are issues with your gums and you need quick assistance.
Since it is a special procedure, having gum contouring done means that you will need a specialist’s expertise to ensure your teeth are in great hands.
In this article, I will be giving you an overview of what constitutes gum contouring, how is it gaining popularity, the recovery rate and how much does it usually amount to.
So let’s begin:
What is Gum Contouring
This is a procedure that has been slowing gaining momentum through the years.
It is also called the reshaping and resculpting of your gumline.
Your dentist will decide on which kind of technique or approach to utilize, depending on your gum condition. It can either be:

Traditional Method: In this, the excessive gum tissue is cut through using a dental scalpel. It is an invasive process and it usually involves local anesthesia.
Laser Method: When it comes to adapting a laser method, what happens is laser technology is used to give your gums a reshaping and restructuring in an efficient and rather natural-looking manner.
The process is an elective one. As I said earlier, it isn’t something you need to get done necessarily but it actually comes by choice.
It is all about about feeling confident and enjoying your smile and those pearly whites even more. Because having a beautiful smile is your right that you definitely deserve and beam upon.
However as I said earlier, in some cases, it becomes a medical necessity and your dental expert will let you know when you need to have it done, to ensure your oral health is at optimal level.
I will now hit upon when it becomes a medical need:
Getting Gum Contouring for Medical Reasons:
One of the major reasons when this becomes a medical condition is if you have a condition called periodontal disease. This is when getting a gum contouring is now an essential and necessary process.
While your dentist will first try to solve the problem through non-surgical means. It usually involves the use of antibiotics or through dental cleanings which includes dental scaling.
These can work in cases which are mild but when it comes to severe gum issues, then you need to opt for gum contouring .
This process is important because you highlight the regeneration procedure which focuses on the regrowth of damaged bone as well as gum tissues.
It is essential that this is done in a timely manner to ensure your teeth are well-protected from any harm or complications.
Let’s now talk about what exactly happens in a gum contouring process:
What Happens in Gum Contouring ?

So what exactly happens in a gum contouring process- let’s look into it.
The procedure isn’t done by any dentist. Since it is a specialized process, you need a really good periodontist for the process. Even a good cosmetic dentist can get the job done.
The best thing about this process is, is that you don’t need to have anesthesia for it. It is fine if you are awake the whole time. All that you require is to have the area of treatment to be numbed.
The numbness during the process allows you to remain awake while not having to go through the pain.
So the first thing the doctor does is make use of a tool which can be called a soft tissue laser or even a scalpel. This scalpel is made use of to remove any excessive gum tissue you may have.
It is done so to showcase more of your teeth and these leads to the restructuring of your gumline which ensures that your teeth are well-exposed and the gumline looks natural and is not impacted in a bad way.
This procedure can last for a few hours as it usually depends on the gum’s condition as well as the time needed to ensure the tissue around the teeth is kept safe from any germs or complications.
It is not a common process and the time required to complete it differs according to the different patients.
Many patients get confused and worry that it may be hurting and it would require a lot of time to heal from the process.
However that is not the case. You can get that beautiful, confident smile in no time!
Added Benefits

Now that we have talked about how this process stands out, did you know it does more than just helping with your gumline for a beautiful smile?
Having heavy gum tissue can become a health concern for many. This is because these tissues can easily trap food elements and particles.
When this happens, it becomes hard to remove them from the mouth and brushing and flossing becomes hard to handle.
This usually accelerates to tooth decay. It is especially in the case of those who have periodontal disease.
Hence it is best for these patients to opt for gum contouring. As proven by dental hygienists, trimming the gums leads to the preservation of healthier teeth in the longer run.
Whether its too much gum, or too little gum, the main objective is to make your gumline look amazing.
Sometimes getting even the best dental whitening in Dubai treatment can fall flat. You need something more to make your gums more presentable.
This is attainable by an accomplished team, much like at REPC Dubai, that will ensure you leave the clinic 100% satisfied with the results.
I will now discuss the discomfort and pain associating with this condition:
Is Gum Contouring Painful?
The first and foremost thing is that you will get local anesthesia. This means you are conscious during the whole process; it is just that you feel there is numbness around the area which is being treated.
You will feel certain discomfort which also goes away overtime.
However when it comes to how much discomfort you feel, depends on how much area will get treatment and how much gums have to be removed and reshaped.
It is common to have pain relievers after the treatment. You can reduce the swelling as well by making use of ice packs and cold compresses. The cold compressor can be used and applied every 15 to 20minutes.
You will notice yourself how the area of treatment and its redness continues to get better with time.
But here’s looking into some ways in which you can speed up the recovery process:
Recovery Process from Gum Contouring Process
Since there is very little downtime involved in this, the healing doesn’t require a lot of time but depending on the severity of the surgery, it can take a few weeks even.
Also since your gum region is very tender after the process, it is best if you refrain from taking on any activities which require heavy exertion.
You will also have high gum sensitivity and mouth tenderness. This means when it comes to eating, you should only consume soft foods for a few days. This includes food items like:
- soups
- plain yogurt
- oatmeal
- applesauce
- ice-creams
However the complete diet chart is given by your doctor who will also give instructions on what kind of foods you should definitely be avoiding to ensure the recovery goes smoothly without the rise of any complications.
You need to supervise your own healing as well and make sure to attend any follow-up appointments as well so that the doctor can keep a close eye on your healing and recovery.
It is important that there is no infection and tackle the issue on time in case it arises. If you are indeed feeling pain or swelling, that means you have infection.
If there is even a discharge from the gums, that means things have escalated and you need medical attention as soon as possible.
Is it Expensive?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions. Since the process is of cosmetic nature, it isn’t a necessity and thus it is most likely not covered by insurance.
So it can be a little heavy on the pocket but people who get insecure and wish to have a more confident look, will know the worth of this procedure and opt for it anyway.
So To Sum Up:
Gum Contouring is a state of the art process in which your gums are given a makeover.
It is done in the condition of when your gums are overly exposed and you need a cosmetic overlook which allows you to have a bright and beaming smile.
Allowing you to have that self-confidence you truly seek.
While it is largely a cosmetic process, in some instances, it becomes a medical treatment. Especially if it can lead to severe gum issues and diseases.
In that case, it is best of you to consult your doctor. And determine what are your best options for optimal treatment and healing.
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