If you are not satisfied with the way you smile because you find your gums resting either too high or too low on your teeth, then you may want to consider undergoing a gum contouring surgery to correct the problem.
Gum contouring, also sometimes called tissue sculpting or gum reshaping, is generally a cosmetic dental procedure that intends to even out uneven gum lines, and provide you with the perfect smile that you have always dreamed of.
Causes of Uneven Gums
There are several factors that may lead your gums to either be too high or too low. Gums that tend to cover a big area of your teeth make your teeth appear smaller. Genetics, for one, may have something to do with it. It can also be the result of taking particular prescription drugs or having a specific health condition.
If your gums are too high, your teeth will seem to be too long. This is usually due to gum recession, an adverse condition where the gum tissues pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth in the process.
Gum recession not only makes your teeth appear unnecessarily long, it may also be a precursor to more serious dental concerns like tooth loss and tooth decay. It may likewise be a symptom of periodontal disease, or the condition where the supporting tooth structures, specifically the bones and gums, deteriorate. Thus, the condition should not be ignored, and should immediately be seen by a dentist.
Is Gum Contouring Surgery Necessary?
On its own, gum contouring may be considered as a cosmetic dental procedure. It is not often necessary, medically speaking, that is. This is because a lot of people merely want to have their gums contoured for aesthetic purposes â to enhance their smile and to improve their overall facial features â nothing more.
There are people, however, who need to undergo gum reshaping as part of their overall periodontal treatment, including pocket reduction, crown lengthening, and regenerative procedures.
A gum contouring surgery is not considered as just cosmetic in nature if it is aimed to address health concerns such as adding gum tissues in cases where there is gum recession, and trimming overgrown tissues that have gone on to cover a significant area of the tooth crown.
Cost of a Gum Contouring Procedure
The total cost for a gum reshaping surgery that you have to prepare for depends primarily on the amount of work needed to be done. You can consult with your dentist on the extent of work that you need, and how much the entire procedure would cost. Typically, the cost of the procedure is not covered by dental insurance providers, especially if it is done for aesthetic reasons. Thus, you may have to be ready to shoulder the cost or the entire procedure.