Before beginning your gum recontouring procedure, our Moore County cosmetic dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. A gummy smile can be caused by overgrown gum tissue, but sometimes the issue may be that your teeth are too short. In this case, we may recommend veneers or other restorative treatments to help lengthen your teeth for a more balanced appearance.

Additionally, if your lips rise too high when you smile, revealing too much of your gums, we can refer you to a specialist who can adjust the way your lips move, giving you a more natural look.

Once the excess gum tissue is removed, it will not grow back. The newly reshaped gums will maintain their new contour indefinitely, providing you with a long-lasting, rejuvenated smile. At Kuhn Dental, we encourage patients to maintain good oral hygiene to keep their gums healthy and clean.

How Laser Gum Recontouring Works

Laser gum recontouring is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the gum line for a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. Here’s how it works:

  • Initial Consultation: During your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will assess your gum line and discuss your desired outcome. They will ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure and explain the steps involved.
  • Local Anesthesia: To ensure comfort, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the gums, minimizing discomfort during the procedure.
  • Laser Application: Using a specialized soft tissue laser, the dentist carefully removes excess gum tissue. The laser gently vaporizes the tissue without the need for sutures or incisions, reshaping your gums with minimal bleeding.
  • Reshaping the Gum Line: The dentist reshapes your gum line to reveal more of your teeth, making them appear longer and creating a more symmetrical, balanced smile.
  • Healing and Recovery: As a minimally invasive procedure, recovery time is quick. Most patients experience little to no discomfort and can resume normal activities soon after the treatment. The laser also promotes faster healing by sealing blood vessels, reducing swelling and bleeding.

Laser gum recontouring provides a faster, more comfortable option compared to traditional gum surgery, offering long-lasting results with minimal recovery time.

Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the frenulum—the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight, short, or restrictive, limiting tongue movement. This condition can cause difficulties with speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene in both children and adults. A frenectomy is a simple, fast, and effective laser procedure that releases the frenulum, restoring proper tongue function. The results are permanent and can significantly improve oral health by enhancing tongue mobility, which is essential for speech, eating, and oral hygiene.

While a tongue tie can impact appearance, a frenectomy is primarily a restorative dental procedure aimed at improving oral function and health, not aesthetics.

Chao Pinhole Gum Recontouring

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or noticing your gums receding when you smile, laugh, or talk, Chao Pinhole gum recontouring could be the solution you need. This minimally invasive treatment restores your gum line without the need for sutures or incisions. Using a specially designed tool, your dentist creates a small hole in the gum tissue, through which the gums are gently repositioned to cover exposed tooth roots. This not only alleviates sensitivity but also enhances the overall appearance of your smile by restoring a healthy gum line.

Unlike traditional gum surgery, Chao Pinhole gum recontouring offers a quicker recovery time, less discomfort, and minimal risk, making it ideal for patients with receding gums. This treatment improves both the function and aesthetics of your smile. To be eligible, you must have enough healthy gum tissue and be free from gum disease, tooth decay, or loose restorations.

Comprehensive Gum and Tooth Treatments

Laser gum recontouring can significantly enhance the cosmetic appearance of your smile, but it can also be combined with other treatments for more comprehensive results. If your teeth are too short, veneers or dental crowns can help enhance their length and shape for a more balanced smile. For patients with misaligned teeth, treatments like Invisalign or traditional braces can align your teeth properly, ensuring that they are in harmony with your newly reshaped gum line. Additionally, for those with receding gums, gum grafting can complement the recontouring process to restore both the health and appearance of your gums. This combination of treatments will help you achieve a beautifully aligned, healthy, and natural-looking smile.

Ready for Your Smile Transformation in Moore County?

Whether you’re looking to reshape your gum line or address other cosmetic concerns, our Moore County dental practice is here to help you achieve your perfect smile. Call us today at (910) 692-4450 to start your journey toward a more confident you!