People talk a lot about teeth, but often forget about their gums—the very structure that holds their teeth in place! Gums can actually be a point of insecurity for some patients, which is why we’re so pleased to share a specialized solution. Charvet Dental Center will be telling you about how gum contouring shapes gums for a more even smile.
What is Gum Contouring?
Great question! We also call this process gingival sculpting or reshaping. This is a cosmetic dental procedure Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. use to improve the appearance of your smile, usually involving going in and removing or reshaping excess gum tissue. Here are some patients who can benefit from it:
- Individuals with a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue covers too much of the teeth.
- Patients with uneven gum lines that make certain teeth look shorter or longer than others.
- Anyone looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their smile as part of a smile makeover—a multi-step process that addresses various points of concern, like crowns, teeth whitening, etc, in a broader treatment plan.
Fabulous and Functional Benefits
This is a primarily cosmetic procedure, yes—but there can be functional assets to gum contouring as well. Part of our bespoke diagnostic planning process is communicating any and all benefits to you.
Aesthetic Benefits
- Improved Smile Symmetry: Reshaping uneven gums is a surefire way to create a more harmonious appearance when you smile.
- Enhances Tooth Proportions: By exposing more of the tooth surface, your teeth might appear longer and more balanced.
- Boosts Confidence: A more balanced smile can help dramatically enhance your self-esteem in social and professional settings.
Functional Benefits
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Evenly contoured gums can make brushing and flossing much easier to accomplish, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Reduces Gum Irritation: When plaque builds up on the gumline, patients often experience some level of pain or discomfort and might not be able to pinpoint why. Removing excessive tissue can eliminate areas where plaque tends to accumulate.
- Supports Restorative Procedures: Gum contouring may be necessary to prepare the mouth for crowns, veneers, or further restorative treatments—all of which are encompassed in a smile makeover at Charvet Dental Center.
Unpacking the Process
If you’re scheduled to undergo a gum contouring session in our office, we want to make sure that we set proper expectations. Remember that your comfort and satisfaction are always at the forefront of our team’s mind! Here’s what this process usually looks like:
- Consultation and Planning
- Assessment/Treatment Plan: During your consultation, our dental team will assess your gums and teeth, discuss any concerns you have, and confirm if gum contouring is the right next step for you. We’ll proceed to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs and plan for the procedure.
- The Procedure
- Preparation: We use local anesthesia to numb the area, resulting in a pain-free experience.
- Shaping the Gums: Using specialized tools such as lasers or scalpels, your doctor will meticulously remove or reshape gum tissue to achieve a more balanced gumline. Our modern technology like laser contouring allows for an extreme grade of precision, minimizing bleeding and promoting a much easier healing process for you
- Post-Procedure Care
- Recovery: Most patients can expect mild discomfort for a day or two, which can be managed very effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you have any unusual discomfort, give us a call!
- Care Instructions: We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to properly maintain oral hygiene during healing and some foods to avoid for the time being.
Why Choose Us?
It’s true that other practices may offer gum contouring—but we can assure you that quality is not consistent anywhere you go. We want to give you three reasons to keep Charvet Dental Center as your top choice for this treatment (and any others!):
- Expertise and Experience: Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. share decades of extensive experience performing all manners of cosmetic procedures—and it’s a difference you will see for yourself.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We always stay on top of technology, using only advanced tools to provide you with precision and comfort throughout your treatment.
- Patient-Centered Care: Our family-owned practice will never treat you like a number. We listen closely to your concerns and customize each treatment plan to align with your goals and preferences.
Metairie Bound!
If you’ve been in our neighborhood for a while, or are just getting here, look no further for your dental services than Charvet Dental Center. You can schedule your first consultation with us here, so we can get you started on securing the smile you’ve always dreamt of.