When Your Body Attacks Your Teeth: Combating Autoimmune Dental Problems

Gum Reshaping – A Cosmetic Procedure Often Forgotten

When you think about cosmetic dentistry, you probably immediately think of dental implants, bridges, teeth whitening and veneers, but what about your gums? Gum reshaping is also a procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile. It is also used to treat gum health problems to protect your oral health. Here, you'll learn a little about gum reshaping to help you determine if it's something that would do well for you.

What gum problems are treated with gum reshaping techniques?

When you don't keep up with brushing and flossing your teeth, plaque can build up on your gums. After a while, your dentist may recommend that you seek treatment to remove gum pockets and the accumulation of plaque and calculus.

What are the cosmetic uses of gum reshaping?

If your teeth appear too small or your gums look too large, the dentist can reshape the gums to balance everything out. Gum tissue can grow down over your teeth and make the teeth look misshaped or small. Once the gums are reshaped, your smile will be improved.

What's involved with gum reshaping?

Typically, this is an in-office treatment performed by a cosmetic dentist. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums and a soft tissue laser will be used to trim and shape the gums. You will not bleed and you will not need any stitches to have removed later.

How long does it take to recover from gum reshaping?

After the procedure, you'll probably experience a little bit of swelling and some discomfort. How long this lasts and how extensive the discomfort will depend on exactly what procedure you're having done. Usually, you'll feel better the day after the procedure, but you must be sure to keep things clean and follow a soft diet for a few days.

Are there risks associated with gum reshaping?

As with any procedure, there's always a risk, but the risks are very minimal. There's a chance of infection of the treatment site, but the likelihood is minimal as long as you follow the dentist's instructions for after-treatment care.

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, talk with your cosmetic dentistry professional. There are so many ways that he can help you get the smile that gives you the confidence that you need to succeed and feel your best while doing it. He or she will guide you to make the best decisions and create a treatment plan suitable for your needs and your budget.


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