Gum Reshaping has become a very popular laser-assisted cosmetic and functional dentistry procedure. Many individuals who have a gummy smile can benefit from removal of excess gum tissue, while those with receding gums may benefit from a gum graft or transplant. Both of these procedures can now be done faster, safer, and with much quicker recovery times due to dental lasers.

It should be noted that “gum reshaping” is often used interchangeably with “crown lengthening”. These two terms are not the same, as crown lengthening involves removal of bone tissue in addition to gum tissue removal.

Removal of Gum Tissue

The ideal “smile line” should reveal minimal gum tissue. Those individuals who show more pink than white when they smile are said to have a “gummy” smile. This is typically not due to having abnormally small teeth, but the result of overdeveloped gum tissue.

Your dentist will first give you a local anesthetic and then use a laser to remove this excess gum tissue, reshaping your gum line to show more of your teeth when you smile. As stated earlier, some bone tissue may need to be removed as part of a crown lengthening. Removal of bone may be necessary in order to avoid your gums growing back into their earlier position.

Gum Grafts

Gum grafts are another highly successful, common laser-assisted procedure. Individuals who have advanced states of gum recession due to age, gum disease, or other periodontal conditions often require gum grafts in order to protect the remaining tooth. Tooth sensitivity and exposure of roots to decay are both conditions which need to be repaired for functional reasons.

Muscles that pull on the affected area are sometimes modified before the gum tissue is actually transplanted. Your dentist then uses the laser to remove tissue from another part of your mouth to place over the exposed tooth. Adhesives or sutures may be used to attach the transplanted tissue.

Both of these procedures enjoy high success rates, partially due to laser technology. Lasers reduce the risk of infection significantly and often require that no sutures be used.

If you live in Southern Oregon and are in need of a gum reshaping procedure to improve your smile, please contact us today to arrange an appointment.