Gum contouring requires little downtime; however, full recovery may take days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Also, depending on your feelings and pain, you may need to limit some activities for a day or two. Since your gums and mouth may feel sensitive or irritated initially, you should eat soft meals for 2-3 days after the operation. Soup, yogurt, applesauce, and Jell-O are examples of such foods. Conversely, your prosthodontist in Huntington Beach, CA will provide post-surgery dietary guidelines and tell you which foods to avoid while healing. Additionally, you will have a follow-up appointment a few days or a week following the surgery.
Reasons to undergo a hum reshaping treatment
Gum reshaping is often performed for aesthetic reasons. After having the teeth straightened, you may choose to complete the ideal smile by correcting your gum line. However, a dentist may propose gum contouring for medical reasons such as:
- Treating periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease) is often treated with specific cleaning techniques like root planing, scaling, and medications. If they fail, the periodontist (gum expert) may propose pocket reduction surgery to shut up places where bacteria gathers or regeneration treatment, which involves grafting gum tissue where it has degraded. Furthermore, gum reshaping is usually included in both of these treatments.
- Gingival hyperplasia
Gingival hyperplasia is a gum tissue overgrowth that is frequently accompanied by discomfort and redness. The gum covers most of the tooth, making it difficult to clean and prone to dental decay and infection. It can be inherited, induced by circumstances such as pregnancy, diabetes, or Crohn’s disease, or an adverse effect of certain medications like anti seizure meds or immunosuppressants. When you stop taking these drugs or treat your medical problem, your gums will usually recover and return to normal. If they don’t, or if you have Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF), your dentist may advise you to have gum contouring procedure.
- Ridge augmentation
The jawbone recedes and deteriorates when a tooth is missing, allowing the gum in that area to sink in. Ridge augmentation is a gum procedure that can provide tissue to the recessed region. This is occasionally done in combination with the placement of a dental bridge or implant.
In conclusion
Gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting, is a gum line remodeling procedure. It is frequently used to enhance the appearance of the gums, teeth, or smile. When done, for this reason, it is considered a cosmetic operation. However, there are times when gum contouring or reshaping is required for oral health reasons, particularly if you have periodontal disease. The operation is usually performed in the office and lasts 1 to 2 hours. Additionally, the cost varies based on the amount of gum contouring required and if it is covered by dental insurance.
You are recommended to consult your dentist to see if gum reshaping is correct for you. They can evaluate your teeth and gums and propose the most acceptable options for improving your smile. Call Orange Coast Dental Specialty to schedule your meeting today to determine if gum reshaping procedures suit you.
