Gum Contouring in Las Vegas, NV

A gummy-looking smile is a concern for many men and women as it can not only hinder one's appearance but overall oral health as well. When the top portion of the teeth is covered by excessive gum tissue, it can make the teeth look smaller than they actually are. With gum contouring, leading cosmetic dentist Dr. Michaela Tozzi can strategically remove minimal amounts of gum tissue to create a more proportionate contour. Gum contouring doesn't just give you a more attractive smile, but it can also improve your oral health by reducing places where bacteria often get trapped. This lowers your chances of having gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. If you live in Henderson, NV or the Greater Las Vegas area, reach out to Michaela Tozzi, DMD to schedule a private gum sculpting consultation. We want you to feel confident and love your smile.

Gum contouring is an impressive dental procedure that brings transformative changes to your smile. This innovative procedure is designed to bring numerous benefits, such as:

• Reduces a “gummy” smile that makes teeth look small

• Addresses a gumline that is too high due to gum recession

• Aligns gums that look uneven or crooked

• Reduces pain and inflammation caused by excess gum tissue

• Improves overall aesthetics of your smile

• Enhances oral hygiene

Contouring the gums can create a more alluring smile while also helping your oral health. You might be a good candidate for gum contouring and sculpting if you would like to enhance your smile by diminishing a “gummy” appearance. When your gums are too low, gum contouring can give you a higher and more even-looking gumline. This treatment is also beneficial if you've had problems with frequent oral infections or gum disease caused by bacteria hiding under the gum tissue.

Gum contouring is performed in our office using a mild local anesthetic. Sedation therapy may also be an option to help ease dental fear or anxiety. Before the procedure, your teeth and gums will be professionally cleaned, then dried. Dr. Tozzi will then use a laser to cut away gum tissue to reveal a higher gumline. The laser tool cauterizes the tissue to minimize bleeding throughout the treatment. Once your gumline is the right shape, Dr. Tozzi will clean your mouth so you may enjoy your results. Generally, gum sculpting can be done in a single appointment.

Once your procedure is complete, you may experience tenderness or swelling, but this is normal and should dissipate after about 1 – 3 weeks once your gums heal. Dr. Tozzi or a member of our team will also go over tips on how to keep your gums healthy and clean as you recover. We also encourage patients to maintain their annual dental exams and cleanings to maintain their oral health. 

Once your procedure is complete, Dr. Tozzi will discuss aftercare instructions. She could prescribe antibiotic medication if symptoms of infection were seen during the process. Your gums may be red for several weeks, but if you follow a proper home oral care routine of daily brushing and flossing, your gums will quickly heal. You should still schedule annual dental exams so Dr. Tozzi can monitor your dental health.

Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure so it isn't typically covered by most insurance companies. However, Michaela Tozzi, DMD accepts many payment methods and can help you find low-interest financing to help make your treatment more affordable. We can calculate your estimated costs during your initial consultation with Dr. Tozzi. 

Does gum contouring hurt?

Most people’s gums are sensitive, so the first question about gum contouring is often “Does it hurt?”. While the gum contouring procedure does remove a small amount of gum tissue, Dr. Tozzi will use a local anesthetic to ensure the treatment area is numb before your procedure begins to prevent any possible pain or discomfort. If pain or anxiety is a concern, Dr. Tozzi also has sedation therapy options to help. After the procedure, some mild soreness and tenderness may be experienced as your gums heal, but this is often easily controlled with OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers.

Is laser gum contouring a safe procedure?

Yes, gum contouring is considered a safe, effective, and fast procedure to enhance the aesthetic look of your smile and help prevent gum disease.

How long is recovery after a gum contouring procedure?

The typical recovery time for most patients after a gum contouring procedure is about 1 – 3 weeks.

How long does gum contouring last?

For most patients, gum contouring is a permanent procedure because the gums typically don’t grow back after the treatment.

Cosmetic gum sculpting at Michaela Tozzi, DMD in Henderson, NV is a wonderful treatment for many reasons — it can improve the appearance of your smile and reduce your risk of gum disease or an oral infection. Whether you want to see a more beautiful smile or improve your oral health, gum contouring might be a great treatment for you. If you live in the Greater Las Vegas area, reach out to our office today to learn more.