When you smile, is a lot of gum tissue visible? If so, you have what is called a “gummy smile.” Often, a procedure known as gum recontouring is the best way to address this issue. There are multiple methods that can be used to perform this treatment. For example, some dentists use a soft tissue laser, whereas others use traditional instruments. Which one is better? This blog post provides a straightforward comparison.
What Is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gumline. If excess tissue covers too much of your teeth, your smile can look uneven or overly gummy. To correct this, your dentist removes small amounts of gum tissue to reveal more of the underlying tooth structure and create a more proportionate, more pleasing appearance.
This treatment can also support better oral hygiene because a cleaner, more even gumline may make it easier for you to brush and floss thoroughly. It may also make you a better candidate for additional cosmetic procedures, such as veneers.
Advantages of Laser-Based Treatment Over Traditional Care
In the past, gum recontouring was always performed with a scalpel. While that was effective, many dentists have upgraded to a superior method. They use a soft tissue laser, which is essentially a highly concentrated beam of light, to remove the excess gum tissue. Laser-based treatment offers a number of noteworthy advantages over the traditional approach:
- Laser-based treatment gives your dentist a high level of precision, which helps shape your gumline with accuracy and preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
- The laser seals blood vessels as it works, so you can expect less bleeding during the procedure than you would with traditional instruments.
- Thanks to the laser’s ability to cauterize soft tissues, you will likely not need sutures after your treatment is complete.
- You may notice less swelling and discomfort after laser treatment, which can make the recovery period easier for you.
- The reduced trauma to the tissue often leads to a shorter healing timeline, so you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
- Laser treatment can lower the risk of infection because the concentrated light helps disinfect the area during the procedure.
Gum recontouring can be an effective way to spruce up your smile, but it is important to ask questions about the methods your dentist uses. Laser treatment can create a better overall experience than old-fashioned methods.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Anh Vo is a highly skilled general and cosmetic dentist who is proud to serve the Grand Prairie community. He regularly completes around 150 hours of continuing education each year, and he is committed to using advanced dental technology, including soft tissue lasers. To learn more about Dr. Vo or to request a consultation with our team, contact Radiant Smiles at 469-890-1199.