Laser gum contouring, explained
If your teeth look short, your gumline is uneven or too much gum shows when you smile, laser gum contouring can reshape the gums in a single, comfortable visit. Bathurst Centre Dental Care offers laser gum contouring at our Thornhill clinic for patients from Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and North York.
What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, can be used to even out your gumline or make your teeth appear longer, improving the appearance of your smile. It may also be done prior to bonding or veneers to help achieve better aesthetic results. A soft-tissue laser gently removes and reshapes excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth.
Who is a good candidate for gum contouring?
A gummy smile
More gum than tooth shows when you smile, often because the gums never fully receded as the adult teeth came in.
An uneven gumline
The gums sit higher on some teeth than others, making the teeth look different lengths.
Short-looking teeth
Teeth that are a normal size but partly covered by gum tissue.
Before cosmetic work
Levelling the gumline before veneers, bonding or whitening so the final result looks balanced.
What are the benefits of using a laser for gum contouring?
Gum contouring with a soft-tissue laser rather than a scalpel can result in quicker healing, less need for stitches and a lower risk of infection after the procedure. This is largely because the laser seals the tissue as it works, dramatically reducing bleeding during and after treatment.
Minimal bleeding
The laser cauterizes as it cuts, so there is very little bleeding.
Faster healing
Less tissue trauma means gums heal more quickly and comfortably.
Usually no stitches
Most laser contouring needs no sutures.
Lower infection risk
The laser sterilizes the area as it reshapes it.
What happens during laser gum contouring?
Consultation
We discuss the smile you want, check your gum health and may mark the new gumline so you can preview it.
Freezing
The gums are numbed with local anesthetic so the procedure is comfortable.
Reshaping
The laser removes excess tissue and sculpts an even gumline, usually in a single visit.
Healing
Gums are tender for a few days and fully healed within a few weeks.
Gum contouring FAQs
The area is frozen first, so you should feel no pain during the procedure. Afterwards, expect mild tenderness for a few days that is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet.
Most people return to normal activities the same or next day. Avoid spicy, crunchy or very hot foods for a few days, and brush gently near the treated area. Gums typically look healed within one to two weeks.
In most cases, yes. Gum tissue that is removed does not grow back, so the new gumline is long-lasting as long as your gums stay healthy. Good brushing, flossing and regular cleanings protect the result.
Often, yes. When excess gum tissue is the cause, laser contouring reveals more of the teeth. If the cause is the position of the jaw or lip, your dentist will explain other options at your consultation.
Anywhere from a single tooth to all the teeth that show when you smile, usually in one appointment.
Yes, and it is common. Contouring is usually done first so the gums heal, then whitening, bonding or veneers complete the smile.
Will my insurance cover laser gum contouring?
Coverage will vary from policy to policy. Cosmetic gum contouring is often not covered, while contouring needed for health reasons sometimes is. We can help you determine your policy’s coverage when you come in for a free consultation.
Hi, I was wondering if I was able to book a consultation for laser gum contouring at your Vaughan location?!
Hi Christina, thanks for your inquiry! We’ll reach out to you directly via email to set up an appointment.
Hi,
My husband has receding gums (hes just 30) due to repeated surgery in his teeth area (permanent impants). I wanted to know whether ur contouring services work for receding gumlines or only when patients have excessive gums
Hi Vaishali, laser gum contouring is for patients with excessive gums. Receeding gums around implants are usually difficult to deal with. Your husband can consult a gum specialist to see if gum grafting can help. Another potential option is to consult his dentist to see if a new crown can be made with pink porcelain added to the edge of the crown to mimic the gum.
Can a flap and graft done using pouch and tunnel technique leave no visual evidence of being done right after it is actually done for one tooth?
Hi Sarah, I had to consult a periodontist regarding your question. If the surgery is done under ideal conditions with an experienced surgeon, then there may be no visual evidence of the surgery right after the procedure. It also highly depends on the type of graft, and where/if any incisions are placed and the healing ability of the individual. In general, an autograft (your own tissue from the palate of your mouth), would work better than other grafting materials.
Hi there! I have an asymmetrical smile that has caused me to feel self-conscious all my life. I feel self-conscious often while talking and especially when laughing, I find myself covering my mouth with my hand to limit showing my smile. When I smile the right side is a bit more “gummy” than the other. In addition to this, my teeth (and especially my right lateral incisor) are not well aligned. What should I do to fix my teeth and get a nice smile? Thanks!!
Hi Alex, it’s not possible for me to diagnose what is causing the asymmetrical smile without a proper assessment of your face, lip, teeth and gum. From what you are describing, you may be looking at a combination of braces and possible gum recontouring. An assessment with an orthodontist may be a good starting point for the smile you are looking for.