Is Gum Contouring Painful?

For individuals who do not like the appearance of their gums, there are cosmetic dental solutions that can help. Gum contouring in jupiter florida, sometimes called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure where the appearance of the gum line is fixed to improve the overall appearance of the smile. Whether your gums are too big for your mouth, make your smile look crooked, or cause your teeth to look too small, gum contouring may be the solution you have been looking for. But what exactly is gum contouring and is the procedure painful? Below is more information on what is involved in the procedure to help you decide if gum contouring treatment is right for you.

The gum contouring procedure

Gum contouring is a dental procedure that can be used for cosmetic purposes or for the treatment of periodontal disease. Depending on the need, the procedure may vary:

• Gum contouring for cosmetic purposes is used for patients with uneven gums or gums that minimize the appearance of their teeth. For these patients, the goal of the procedure is to use a laser or scalpel to reduce and reshape the gum tissue to improve the appearance of the smile.
• Gum contouring for periodontal disease is a treatment option for patients who have gum disease that has resulted in dramatically receded gums and pockets. Gum contouring can help protect exposed and vulnerable teeth roots and minimize gum pockets. By minimizing pockets, there will less opportunity for bacteria to build up preventing periodontal disease from advancing further.

Is Gum contouring painful?

Generally, the gum contouring procedure is completed by a general dentist using either a scalpel or small laser and is relatively painless. Before getting started, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to help minimize any discomfort during the procedure. It is common after the procedure to experience some pain and discomfort for a few days.

Post-Procedure Pain

While you can expect some mild pain and discomfort after gum contouring, there are things you can do post-procedure to help reduce this discomfort:

• Over the counter medication: Immediately after the procedure, your dentist will likely recommend over the counter medication to help deal with post-procedure pain and discomfort. You should ask your dentist which medications they recommend, as aspirin can thin the blood and should be avoided.
• Watch your diet: Additionally, your dentist will recommend that you avoid certain foods that can irritate your tender gums. Foods to avoid include any hard or crunchy foods. You should try to stick to eating softer foods for a few days allowing time for your gum tissue to heal.
• Limit activity: It is also important to limit your activity, particularly strenuous activity, for at least a few days after the procedure. High levels of activity, can cause increased blood flow to the area, leading to pain and swelling.

The gum contouring healing process can take between a few days up to a couple of weeks. After a few days, the pain and discomfort should diminish and you will be good to go with your new smile.

More information on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring