Will Your Gums Grow Back After Gum Contouring Surgery?

woman smiling

A gummy smile is a concern for many men and women in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Michaela Tozzi is highly trained in the diagnostics and treatment of oral health conditions. At Michaela Tozzi, DMD, we can repair a smile and your oral health with gum contouring surgery. When you have overgrown gums, it makes your teeth look extremely small. With gum contouring, Dr. Tozzi can remove small portions of this gum tissue to create a more appealing contour. This creates a better-looking smile and improves oral health by reducing places where bacteria can get trapped, lowering your chance of developing gum disease or tooth decay. When you’re looking for a way to repair and restore your gummy smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tozzi to learn more about gum contouring surgery.

What causes gums to grow over teeth?

Many things can cause your gums to grow unevenly, including genetics, certain health problems, or even taking certain medications. Gums that are too high, where the teeth look long, is most often caused by gum recession. This can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. Gum recession can also be a sign of periodontal disease. Never ignore if your gums look different since it may signal a serious problem.

Who is the best candidate for gum contouring?

You may be a good candidate for gum contouring surgery if:

  • You want to restore your gummy smile

  • Your gums cover most of your teeth

  • You have no existing dental issues (For those who do, they must be resolved before this surgery)

  • You get frequent oral infections or have gum disease since bacteria can hide under the excess gum tissue.

When your gums are too low, gum contouring can give you an even-looking gumline.

What is gum contouring?

We perform gum contouring in our Las Vegas, NV area office, while the patient is under local anesthesia. Sedation therapy can also be used for those who experience anxiety when visiting a dental office. Before we begin, your teeth and gums are cleaned and dried. Next, Dr. Tozzi uses the BIOLASE® Epic™ laser to cut away excess gum tissue, helping to reveal a higher gumline. This laser tool cauterizes the tissue to help minimize bleeding. Once she is satisfied with the results, the mouth is thoroughly cleaned.

After gum contouring, you may experience swelling or tenderness, which usually goes away after a few weeks when your gums fully heal. Dr. Tozzi can offer tips on how to keep your gums healthy and clean during gum contouring recovery. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings are important after gum contouring to help maintain your oral health.

Do the gums grow back after treatment?

Your gums will not grow back after gum contouring surgery near Las Vegas, NV. The bone under the gums is contoured too, so it doesn’t allow the gums to grow back.

Will my insurance cover gum contouring?

Gum contouring is typically considered an elective procedure since it is cosmetic in nature. It is usually covered by insurance. However, Dr. Tozzi does accept many payment methods and offers low-interest financing to help make the costs associated with gum contouring more affordable. At your consultation near Las Vegas, NV, our team can calculate the estimated costs associated with this surgery for you before you commit.

Learn how gum contouring can improve your oral health

Michaela Tozzi, DMD offers gum contouring surgery to patients who wish to repair their gummy smile. This laser gum contouring treatment can be done in just one visit to our Las Vegas, NV area dental office. To learn if you’re a candidate for gum contouring, schedule a consultation with Dr. Michaela Tozzi.

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