While most people associate straight teeth with a beautiful smile, an underrated yet equally important factor is an aesthetically pleasing gumline. That’s right; your gums are important when defining your teeth.
Gums frame your pearly whites. If the gums are not in correct shape, they form a gummy smile. However, recent dental advancements have made it possible to contour them into more aesthetically pleasing shapes. Recontouring also prevents any oral health issues caused by excessive gingival tissue.
However, it can be intimidating for prospective patients to consider gum recontouring since gums are so sensitive. So, does gum recontouring hurt more than other dental procedures? Let’s learn about the discomfort you can experience during the procedure and how to speed up recovery.
What is Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a dental procedure designed to improve the look of your smile by altering the shape of the gum line. This procedure can address issues such as a gummy smile that can make the teeth appear shorter than they are.
Some people have asymmetrical gum lines, which can interrupt the aesthetics of their teeth. Gum recontouring involves using precision instruments such as a laser to gently reshape them.
How Painful is Gum Recontouring?
Most patients report that gum recontouring is not painful and experience minimal discomfort. Before the procedure, you may be administered a local anesthetic to numb the area, making the process painless.
However, there can be some discomfort and tenderness post-procedure, but it is usually easily managed with care and over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients find that their discomfort decreases significantly within a week, allowing them to return to their daily lives without issues.
Tips For Fast Gum Recontouring Recovery
You can take some steps to minimize your discomfort post-procedure. Here are some tips to consider for a smoother recovery.
- Stick to Soft Foods
For the first few days after your surgery, eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. You must avoid crunchy or spicy foods that could irritate your healing gums. - Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids post-recovery as it can help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection. - Manage Pain
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended to help manage discomfort after the procedure. - Consistent Oral Hygiene
It’s essential to keep your mouth clean by sticking to a proper oral hygiene routine. Be gentle while brushing, and don’t floss the initial days to reduce sensitivity. - Dentist Instructions
Adhere closely to any aftercare instructions that you may be given for proper healing and to reduce the chances of complications.
To Conclude
Gum recontouring is relatively painless due to the general anesthetic and the tools’ precision. However, you must follow the aftercare instructions to make sure your results heal properly, and you don’t experience discomfort post-procedure. When your gums heal, you can expect your smile to have a new look.
Here at Village Park Family Dental of Cypress, we offer gum recontouring services to reshape your teeth and gums for a beautiful smile. Getting straighter teeth has never been easier, so schedule an appointment with us! Dial (281) 376-4444 to learn more about what we store for you.