Gum Contouring in Wichita Falls, TX

A “gummy smile” occurs when the top part of the tooth is concealed by too much gum tissue. At Stone Lake Dental, gum contouring is performed to sculpt the smile by removing the excess soft tissue and exposing more of the tooth. Not only can gum contouring give you a more aesthetically appealing smile, but it can also improve your oral health by reducing areas where bacteria frequently gets trapped. This lowers your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Schedule a consultation with one of our certified dentists at our office in Wichita Falls, TX to learn more about cosmetic gum contouring.

Gum contouring can create a more proportionate smile while improving your overall oral health. You may be a candidate for gum contouring if you want to enhance the look of your smile by diminishing a “gummy” appearance. If your gums appear too low, gum contouring can create a higher gumline. It's also beneficial if you have problems with chronic oral infections or gum disease due to bacteria hiding under excess gum tissue.

Gum contouring is an in-office dental procedure done with a mild local anesthetic. Sedation may be an option if you have anxiety or fears about dental treatments. Prior to the actual procedure, your teeth and gums will be cleaned and dried. A laser will be used to remove excess gum tissue and reveal a better shape. The laser seals the tissue for minimal bleeding during the procedure. Once your gumline is the right shape, your mouth will be cleaned so you can see your results. Typically, the entire procedure can be done in just one visit.

Following the reshaping procedure, a member of our team will discuss aftercare instructions. Antibiotics may be prescribed if signs of an infection were noticed during the treatment. Your gums may be red for a few weeks, but with a proper oral health routine of daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, your gums will begin to heal. You should continue to schedule annual dental exams so we can monitor your dental health.

Since gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, it is not typically covered by most insurance companies. However, Stone Lake Dental accepts many payment methods. We will give you cost estimates during your consultation, as well as information on low-interest medical financing to help make your treatment more affordable.

Cosmetic gum contouring at Stone Lake Dental is a great procedure for multiple reasons — it can enhance the overall appearance of a "gummy" smile and reduce your risk of an oral disease, like gingivitis. Whether you want to have more confidence in your smile or improve your oral health, gum contouring may be a good choice for you. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our office in Wichita Falls, TX to book your consultation.