Gum Contouring in Friendswood, TX

When gum tissues cover too much of the teeth, creating the look of a "gummy" smile, Made Ya Smile Dental offers an effective solution. Gum tissues that come down too low (upper teeth) or up too high (lower teeth) may cause the teeth to look short and the smile to appear unbalanced. To help patients who may feel self-conscious about their smiles, our comprehensive practice offers gum contouring solutions for gummy smile treatment. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue from around the teeth to reveal more of the tooth enamel and improve the appearance for a more proportional look. This process may also be performed for functional reasons to enable general dentist Dr. Peter Nishino to treat decay that may be blocked by gum or bone tissue covering that area of a tooth. For the comprehensive care you need to confidently overcome a gummy smile, turn to our caring Friendswood, TX dental team.

Teeth that are framed by excess or overgrown gum tissues may take on a short or gummy appearance and can affect the appearance of your smile. Gum contouring is a cosmetic sculpting and reshaping procedure that works to take away this abundance of tissue and sculpt the gumline into a more appealing feature. This treatment, also referred to as crown lengthening, balances out the smile by creating the ideal proportion of tooth and gum tissues.

Dr. Nishino may suggest an aesthetic gum contouring procedure if any of these conditions are causing excessive gum tissue to impact the quality of your smile:

• Overgrown gums

• Uneven gumline

• Inflamed or infected gums

• Genetic conditions

• Effects of medications

Crown lengthening may also be used to address functional needs, such as when gum tissue (and sometimes bone) is covering an area of a tooth that has decay or damage and is preventing restorative treatment. In this case, a small amount of gum or bone tissue can be removed to give Dr. Nishino proper access to treat the tooth and expose enough tooth structure to which a restoration (crown, filling, or bridge) can be placed. Removing overgrown or excess gum tissue may also further serve oral health and function needs by eliminating spaces where disease-causing bacteria can hide and minimizing the risk of gum infection. For comprehensive care, Dr. Nishino may partner with a periodontal specialist for gum contouring procedures.

As a practice known for positive dental experiences, Made Ya Smile Dental always places your comfort and safety first. Your gum tissues will be thoroughly numbed before our team begins your cosmetic sculpting and reshaping procedure and sedation dentistry is available to help you fully relax if you feel anxious. When you are ready, our team will use advanced skills and techniques to gently remove excess gum tissue and sculpt your gumline to frame each tooth in an attractive way. Functional cases may also require that a small amount of bone is removed to provide adequate access for proper tooth restoration. Though your gums will take a few days to heal, the aesthetic results of a more balanced gumline are noticeable immediately following your gum contouring procedure. Most patients can have their treatment completed within a single visit with our friendly and caring team.

It is common for your gums to feel a little tender for the first few days following a gum contouring procedure. Any discomfort can usually be managed with nonprescription pain medication. You may also wish to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods until your gums have fully healed. To help you best care for your teeth and gums during this time, our team will be sure to provide you with specific instructions for brushing and flossing and may prescribe a mouth rinse to use to help control bacteria. Keeping up with thorough home care techniques each day and visiting Made Ya Smile Dental in Friendswood, TX for routine dental care after your gum contouring and sculpting can help keep your new gumline attractive and healthy for many years to come.

Dental insurance may offer some coverage toward gum contouring procedures. To learn the specific details of your plan, we will get in touch with your provider and inform you of any out-of-pocket costs. Made Ya Smile Dental wants all patients in Friendswood, TX to have access to quality care that makes them feel more confident in their smiles. We are pleased to partner with CareCredit® to bring low-cost solutions to our patients. We also take a range of easy payment solutions to make your family's dental treatment as convenient for your budget as possible.

A gummy smile no longer has to keep you from the balanced, confident smile you deserve. If your teeth appear too short or excessive tissue is giving your smile a gummy appearance, gum contouring from Made Ya Smile Dental may be just the solution you need. Gum contouring and sculpting may also be beneficial for functional needs to aid Dr. Nishino in properly treating a damaged tooth and providing adequate space for the placement of a tooth restoration. Learn more about your options for improving your cosmetic appeal and gum health by scheduling a visit today at our welcoming Friendswood, TX dental center.