Gum contouring is often the solution for people who have certain problems with their smiles: either too much or not enough gums show up when they flash their pearly whites. This solution can be cosmetic in nature, as in a smile makeover, or it can be part of a necessary medical procedure, like in the case of periodontal disease. In either case, in this blog post we aim to clear up what this surgery is for, and what you can expect if you partake in it.
Gummy smiles: this is a common problem for many people. It is a case of having too much tissue covering your teeth, making it seem like the teeth sit too low. It certainly doesn’t make you a bad person, but it might make you a bit uncomfortable smiling in public, or around people you don’t know. In this case, you can have a cosmetic procedure that removes the excess tissue from the teeth, affording a well balanced smile, showing just enough tissue, but not so much that it becomes a distraction when speaking to people.
On the other end of the spectrum there are people who have receding gums. This condition, like the one mentioned above, can also make a person uncomfortable smiling in public, however, it is not always simply a matter of cosmetics. That's because receding gums can be the result of periodontal disease, which is a medical concern, and can lead to serious problems such as tooth decay and even tooth loss. In these cases it is necessary to add tissue to cover the exposed areas, which takes a similar surgical procedure.
In both cases you want the procedure to be performed by an advanced and skilled Prosthodontist, as they are more equipped than the average dentist to deal with significant dental problems. Dr. Marina Funtik is a trusted Prosthodontist in Colorado Springs. If you feel you need gum contouring surgery, call us, or email the office today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff will be happy to take you in!
