Are you unhappy with the appearance of your gums? Do you feel like they are too thick or too thin? If so, laser gum contouring may be the solution for you! This new procedure is designed to improve the appearance of your gums, giving you a more attractive smile. To help you decide if this procedure is right for you, we’ve got answers to the most common questions about laser gum recontouring.
What is laser gum recontouring and how can it help improve the appearance of my gums?
Laser gum recontouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses laser technology to reshape your gums and improve the appearance of your smile. The laser removes excess tissue from around your teeth so that they are exposed more prominently in your mouth, giving you a brighter smile. It also gets rid of any unevenness on the surface by smoothing gums out evenly across all surfaces of each tooth.
This procedure can be used on both men and women with excess or uneven gum tissue near their front teeth, which may be causing them to look less attractive than they would otherwise. The treatment usually only takes about an hour or two, and patients typically experience very little pain during the procedure because there is no cutting involved.
What are the benefits of laser gum recontouring over traditional methods like surgery or scaling and root planing (SRP)?
Laser gum recontouring can improve the appearance of your smile and make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean. It may also help prevent cavities or tooth decay from developing later in life by removing excess tissue that could trap bacteria in your mouth.
There are a few key benefits that laser gum recontouring has over traditional methods like surgery or SRP:
– It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require any cutting or suturing. This means that there is minimal pain and recovery time involved, and patients can usually go back to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
– Laser recontouring can be performed under local anesthesia, so there’s no need for general sedation and recovery time will be minimal (about a day or two at most). Expect to go back home immediately after your appointment.
What are the drawbacks of laser gum recontouring?
There are some drawbacks associated with this procedure that you should be aware of before deciding if it is right for you:
– It is a more expensive procedure than traditional methods like surgery or SRP.
– Not all patients are candidates for laser gum recontouring. If you have severe gum disease, extensive decay, or an infection in your gums, this procedure may not be right for you.
– Laser gum recontouring is a new procedure and there is limited scientific data on its long-term safety and efficacy. However, early results have been very promising and most patients are happy with the results they achieve.
What risks are associated with laser gum contouring?
Laser gum recontouring is a safe procedure with few risks or side effects. However, there are some potential complications that can occur if you do not follow post-operative care instructions properly after surgery. These include:
– Post-procedure pain and swelling of the affected area (e.g., face/jaw, lips)
– Bleeding from the surgical site
– Infection of the surgical area
– Damage to teeth or surrounding tissues
Please be sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided to you by your dentist so that you can minimize the risk of any of these complications occurring.
What should I expect during and after the procedure?
During the procedure, you will be placed under local anesthesia so that you are comfortable and do not feel any pain. The laser will then be used to remove excess tissue from around your teeth, evening out their surface and exposing them more prominently in your mouth.
Expect to go back home immediately after your appointment. You should be able to resume normal activities within a day or two, but you may experience some minor swelling and discomfort that can easily be managed through the use of over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., ibuprofen).
Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure, as well as any strenuous activity like exercise or sports until at least two weeks have passed. This will help minimize swelling and enhance healing time.
How much does laser gum recontouring cost, and will my insurance cover it?
The cost of laser gum recontouring varies depending on the location and severity of your gum tissue excess. However, it is typically more expensive than traditional methods like surgery or SRP. Your insurance may or may not cover the cost of this procedure, so be sure to check with them before you book your appointment.
How long will the results last, and how often do I need to come in for follow-up appointments?
This depends on how well you take care of your teeth and gums after the procedure. If you practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, then the results should last for several years before any additional treatment is needed. However if these instructions are not followed properly (or if you develop gum disease), the results may not last as long.
Ready to schedule an appointment?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your gums, laser gum recontouring may be a good option for you. This procedure can help to improve the contour and symmetry of your gums, as well as reduce the appearance of gum recession. Laser gum recontouring is a relatively short and minimally invasive procedure, and most people experience little to no discomfort afterwards. It’s also affordable and typically covered by insurance.
Schedule your appointment today to see if laser gum recontouring is right for you!
