Do You Have A Gummy Smile? Gum Contouring Surgery can help

woman smiling white teeth

A gummy smile is a concern for many of our patients in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Michaela Tozzi can repair a smile and overall oral health with gum contouring surgery. When the top part of the teeth is covered with excess gum tissue, it makes the teeth look small. With gum contouring, our cosmetic dentist can remove small amounts of this gum tissue to create a more appropriate contour. Not only does this create a better-looking smile, but it also helps improve oral health by reducing places that bacteria can get trapped. This helps lower your chance of developing an oral infection, gum disease, or tooth decay. When you’re looking for effective ways to repair and restore your smile when you have gum recession or excessive gum tissue, schedule a consultation at Michaela Tozzi, DMD.

What causes uneven gums?

Many things can cause your gums to be too low or too high, including genetics, a health problem, or taking certain medications. Gums that are too high and make the teeth look long is often caused by gum recession. This can lead to serious dental issues, like tooth decay and tooth loss. It can also be a sign of periodontal disease. This is why it’s important to never ignore a change in the way your gums look.

What is gum contouring?

We perform gum contouring in our office near Las Vegas, NV with a mild local anesthetic for patients. Sedation therapy can also be used for patients who have anxiety when visiting our dental office. Before the procedure begins, your teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Dr. Tozzi uses the BIOLASE® Epic™ laser to cut away gum tissue. This will help reveal a higher gumline. This laser tool cauterizes the tissue to minimize bleeding throughout your laser gum contouring treatment. Once she is satisfied with the results, she will clean your mouth.

After your gum contouring treatment, you may have swelling or tenderness. This usually goes away a few weeks after the gums fully heal. Dr. Tozzi and our professional team can offer you tips on how to keep your gums healthy and clean during the recovery process. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings are important when you want to maintain your oral health.

Who is the best candidate for gum contouring?

Contouring the gums creates a more proportionate smile. You might be a good candidate for gum contouring surgery if:

  • You would like to restore your smile by diminishing its gummy-looking appearance

  • Your gums cover the majority of your teeth

  • You have no existing dental issues (if you do, they must be resolved before this surgical procedure)

  • You get frequent oral infections or gum disease that is caused by bacteria hiding under this excess gum tissue.

Ultimately, when your gums are too low, gum contouring can give you a more even-looking gumline.

What can laser gum contouring treat?

Laser gum treatment isn’t just used to correct excess gum tissue; it can also treat other conditions, including:

  • Gum disease

  • Oral growths

  • Cold sores

  • Peri-implantitis

  • TMD

Dr. Tozzi uses the safest and most effective tools to provide superior dental care for her Las Vegas, NV patients.

Will my insurance cover gum contouring?

Gum contouring is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, so it isn’t usually covered by insurance. However, Dr. Tozzi accepts many payment methods and also offers low-interest financing to help make the costs associated with this treatment more affordable. At your consultation at Michaela Tozzi, DMD, we can calculate the estimated costs associated with this treatment.

Learn more about gum contouring and how it improves oral health

Dr. Michaela Tozzi offers gum contouring to help patients to repair their smile. This laser gum contouring treatment can be done during just one visit to our office near Las Vegas, NV. To learn if you’re a good candidate for gum contouring, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michaela Tozzi by calling our dental office today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.