Aesthetic Gum Lift
Having a beautiful smile does not just make you appear more attractive, but it also positively impacts your self-esteem and mental health. At Tualatin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help you develop confidence if you are born with a gummy smile. We offer the latest gum lifting and gum contouring procedures that can improve your aesthetics in a pain-free way. WHAT IS GUM LIFTING?
You smile may be gummy if your gums partly cover your upper teeth, if your upper teeth are quite short, or if your gumline is uneven. This can be due to the following reasons:
- Heredity.
- Your upper lip is too short and rises higher than normal.
- Your teeth are worn down.
- Side-effect from some medications.
Although gum lifting is a cosmetic procedure usually done by people for aesthetic reasons, a gummy smile may indicate an underlying health condition that may require immediate treatment.
When you are in for a consultation, Dr. Emerson Rowley, DMD can identify the cause of your gummy smile and recommend the appropriate treatment.
HOW DOES A GUM LIFT WORK?
A gum lift is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. However, if you feel anxiety, we can discuss sedation methods to help you relax during treatment.
We will make sure you understand how the procedure works and will show you what your smile will look like after the surgery.
Gum lifting involves removing away the excess gum using soft tissue laser. The laser will contour your gum line and then seal the tissue so that there is minimal bleeding and the wound can heal quickly. We may also use the laser to eliminate any hollow pockets between your gum and teeth to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, which can result in a risk of infection.
In severe cases, gum contouring may also involve removing some bone structure close to the tooth root. We may also recommend extending your teeth with crowns so that they appear longer and contribute to a symmetrical smile.
GUM LIFT SURGERY AFTERCARE
Once you have had your gum reshaped, you will feel experience pain and swelling at the site of the surgery. This can be controlled by over-the-counter pain medication. Since there are no stitches involved in gum lifting, you will be able to eat and drink after 24 hours; however you need to avoid consuming hard, crispy, or spicy food which can aggravate your gums. Your gums are expected to heal after a week fully.
You will also be advised to use soft-bristled brushing and a gentle mouthwash that can effectively kill bacteria without stinging your gums. This can help reduce the chances of infection.
If you experience excess bleeding, gum recession, or an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, call us (503) 878-7474 to schedule an emergency appointment with us.