If you have a gummy smile, and wonder about your options to improve the aesthetics of your smile, consider ROC Perio & Implants, the premier periodontal practice in Rochester, NY, serving all of Monroe County.

Our board-certified periodontists offer a number of services to improve your smile. We call these our Smile Strategies™. From correcting an uneven gum line to minimally invasive gum contouring, we provide advanced cosmetic periodontics designed to give you the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.

What is Esthetic Gum Contouring?

Esthetic gum contouring is a highly effective cosmetic dental procedure that involves reshaping the gum tissue to enhance the appearance of your smile. The process involves removing excess gum tissue and carefully sculpting the gum line to create a more balanced, attractive, and symmetrical look.

Think about your teeth as a beautiful painting, and the gums are the frame that enhances the artwork. When you have excessive gum tissue, your teeth may appear too short. By choosing to reshape your gums, you expose more of the tooth surface for a dazzling result.

What is Cosmetic Gum Treatment?

Cosmetic Gum Treatment, also known as gingivectomy, is specifically done as a cosmetic procedure. This surgery helps to expose more of your front teeth to create a larger, brighter, and more natural-looking smile.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is used to make restorative dentistry possible. If a tooth has broken at the gum line, we can correct the tissue and bone levels to make more of the tooth accessible for your dentist to place a crown.

Who is a Candidate for Gum Reshaping in Rochester?

We can help determine if you might need a cosmetic gum procedure during a personalized consultation. Most patients who want to transform their smiles are excellent candidates.

You may benefit from gum reshaping if you:

• Are self-conscious about a "gummy smile"
• Have gums that interfere with the appearance of your teeth
• Suffer from an uneven or asymmetrical gum line
• Need excess tissue removed prior to restorative dental work

The procedure is done quickly in-office, so you can feel comfortable having it performed. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from cosmetic gum contouring when it is needed.

How is the Gum Contouring Procedure Performed?

At ROC Perio & Implants, we utilize advanced technology to ensure the best possible results. The first step is to numb the area using local anesthesia so you remain entirely comfortable.

Depending on your specific needs, we perform esthetic gum contouring using a soft tissue laser. Dental lasers play an increasingly important role in periodontology, providing fast and highly effective treatments. This modern method allows for precise and gentle reshaping of the soft tissue with minimal bleeding and faster healing times. Our periodontist will carefully remove any excess gum tissue and sculpt the gum line to achieve your desired appearance.

Is Esthetic Gum Contouring Painful?

Esthetic gum contouring is typically performed using a soft tissue laser, which significantly minimizes discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity or swelling after the procedure, but this is typically short-lived and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Recovery After Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Most patients experience only minor swelling following gum contouring and are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. The gums will heal naturally over the course of a few weeks. Our dental team will provide you with clear post-operative instructions to help keep the area clean and ensure a smooth, speedy recovery. With proper care, the results of your cosmetic gum surgery are permanent.

Discover the Latest in Gumline Enhancement and Restoration

ROC Perio & Implants differs from most other dental practices because we believe that preserving your natural teeth and surrounding tissue is the best strategy. We offer several specialized treatments for gums:

• Chao Pinhole® Gum Recession Correction: The patented Chao Pinhole® technique is a scalpel-free and suture-free procedure for treating gum recession, and it is only available in Rochester at ROC Perio. This breakthrough treatment offers patients an easier, minimally invasive option. The gum tissue is gently loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth.
• Gingival Grafting: Gum recession is a common finding in both adolescents and older adults, often seen following orthodontic treatment. We offer solutions to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy in their final, straightened position.
• Regeneration: When periodontal disease occurs, we employ guided tissue regeneration and biologics to stimulate tissue growth, helping you keep your natural teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions