Painless Laser Gum Contouring in Houston

Approximately 10% of young adults have what is commonly called a gummy smile — a condition where an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible when a person smiles. It's important to note that having a gummy smile is not a dental health concern because it does not typically affect oral hygiene or functionality. However, for some individuals, the appearance of a gummy smile can be a source of self-consciousness and may impact their confidence when smiling or speaking in social situations. 

If you find yourself using a closed-lipped smile more often than not because of a gummy smile, you should know there is a painless way to give you the smile of your dreams. 

Read on to learn more about gum contouring and where to find the best cosmetic dentist in Houston. 

What is Gum Contouring? 

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gum tissue sculpting, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to reshape the gum line and improve the overall appearance of a person's smile. Gum contouring can address various concerns, including:

• Gummy smiles
• Uneven gum lines
• Excessive gum tissue covering the teeth

This minimally invasive treatment involves removing excess gum tissue or reshaping uneven gum lines to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and can often be completed in a single visit, with minimal discomfort and a relatively short recovery time.

Benefits of Using a Laser for Gum Contouring

Expert cosmetic dentists usually use lasers to do gum contouring procedures. Lasers are used because they are highly precise and effectively target soft tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. Lasers also offer several advantages over traditional scalpel techniques, including: 

• Reduced bleeding
• Minimized swelling
• Faster healing times
• Greater accuracy in sculpting the gum line

The choice between using a scalpel and a laser depends on the specific needs of the patient and the dentist's preference — however, most dentists will opt for laser technology since it not only enhances the accuracy of the treatment but also results in a more comfortable experience and quicker recovery time.

Side Effects of Gum Contouring

While generally safe, laser gum contouring can have some mild and temporary side effects when compared to the traditional scalpel method. The most common side effects are temporary discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area for a few days following the procedure. Because of this, there's a small possibility of changes in speech or eating habits immediately after the procedure, but these typically resolve as the gums heal.

There's a slight risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to the anesthesia used. In rare cases, some patients might notice increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, which usually subsides over time. Following post-procedure care instructions carefully will minimize these risks and ensure proper healing.

How is Gum Contouring Done? 

When getting gum contouring done with a laser, the dentist or periodontist typically performs the procedure in a dental office. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure the highest level of comfort. The dentist then uses specialized tools — usually a soft tissue laser — to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. 

The entire process usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the extent of the treatment. After the procedure, the dentist provides aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results.

Healing Time for Gum Contouring

The healing time for laser gum contouring ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors. Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for the first 24 to 48 hours, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. For a traditional scalpel contouring method, the recovery time is slightly longer. 

In most cases, in the hands of the top cosmetic dentist in Houston, you’ll notice a visible improvement in the appearance of the soft tissues of the gums within a week; however, the final results may take several weeks. During the healing period, patients are advised to follow a soft food diet, avoid irritating the treated area, and maintain good oral hygiene. Attending follow-up appointments is important to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Most individuals can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Where to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist in Houston for Gum Contouring

At Sapphire Smiles, we recognize that gum contouring can be a transformative step in your smile makeover. Selecting a skilled cosmetic dentist who is well-versed in cutting-edge techniques and technology is important for your peace of mind during treatment and having the confidence that you’ll get the most optimal outcome of your gum reshaping procedure. That's why Dr. Antoun, widely considered the top cosmetic dentist in Houston, and the Sapphire Smiles team are committed to continually educating themselves on the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry, including innovative techniques in gum contouring.

Our comprehensive approach guarantees that you receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and ensures your comfort throughout every phase of the gum contouring process. 

Ready to experience fast and painless gum contouring with the highest-rated cosmetic dentist in Houston?