Do you have too little or too much gum tissue? Gum contouring (gingivoplasty) can help you achieve the smile you desire quickly and painlessly. Gingivoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the gums by removing excess tissue or restoring areas with missing gum tissue. This is done under local anaesthesia and serves both medical and aesthetic purposes.

What is Gingivoplasty?

Gingivoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the gum tissue, including reshaping (gingivectomy), extending, or evening out the gums to enhance both aesthetic appearance and oral health.

Functions of the Gums

Gums serve as a protective barrier for the teeth, shielding them from external damage and bacterial intrusion. Receding gums are irreversible, so preventative care is crucial to avoid gum retraction. Healthy gums contribute to oral health and play a role in creating an attractive smile, often linked to confidence.

What Affects Gum Appearance?

Several factors influence the shape and appearance of the gums, including brushing technique and the quality of your oral hygiene.

Purpose and Types of Treatment

Gingivoplasty has various purposes. The underlying cause of gum changes will determine the treatment approach and technique, with several surgical methods proven to be effective and yielding good long-term outcomes.

Generally, gum contouring procedures are straightforward but require precision for aesthetic results. Techniques may include scalpel or laser adjustments for one or multiple teeth or a whole row. Corrections can be applied to either the upper or lower gums.

If you have no untreated conditions and maintain good oral hygiene, gingivoplasty can address:

1) Medical Purposes
• Restoring Receded Gums: For gum damage due to gingivitis or periodontitis, gingivoplasty can restore gum functionality and appearance. Treatments for gum recession typically involve either a gum graft or stretching nearby gum tissue to cover exposed areas.
• Strengthening Gum Support for Implants: If a tooth is missing and has not been replaced, gum and bone volume in the area decrease. Before placing an implant, gum grafting might be needed to ensure enough gum tissue for proper support and an even gum line.
• Reducing Gum Pockets: Severe periodontitis can create deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which require surgical intervention for reduction, tightening the gum line and facilitating better oral hygiene.
• Removing Excess Tissue due to Gingival Hyperplasia: Overgrowth of gum tissue can arise from inflammation, medication side effects, or hormonal factors and may need surgical reduction for optimal function and aesthetics.

2) Aesthetic Purposes For purely aesthetic concerns, gum contouring can adjust the gum line or remove excess tissue to create a balanced appearance. Typical treatments include:
• Gummy Smile: Excess gum tissue can make teeth appear small; contouring can achieve a balanced gum-to-teeth ratio.
• Short Upper Lip: A surgical procedure can adjust the lip position relative to the teeth for a more harmonious smile.
• Overactive Lip Muscles: Botox injections can help relax overactive lip muscles, reducing excessive gum display when smiling.

Does Gum Contouring Hurt?

The procedure is pain-free under local anaesthesia, taking from half an hour to several hours depending on complexity. Healing time varies from a week to several weeks.

Preparation for Gingivoplasty

Avoid tobacco use beforehand to promote healing, and the dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth before the procedure.

Post-Surgery Care and Tips

To support healing, your dentist may recommend an antiseptic mouth rinse. A follow-up appointment will ensure proper healing. Additional tips include:

1) Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or crunchy items
2) Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products
3) Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush and using fluoride toothpaste

Risks and Side Effects

Long-term complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection, or discomfort. If you experience prolonged bleeding, increased swelling, worsening pain, or jawline swelling, consult your dentist as these may indicate infection.