For years, every time you look in the mirror or see yourself smiling in a picture, the first thing you notice is your gums. Why? Because they overshadow your teeth and make them look overly short and out of proportion compared to your face. Countless people have this same issue, but fortunately, getting it fixed is relatively easy these days. The procedure is called gum recontouring, and it can give you the perfectly balanced look you desire. But, what will your mouth feel like immediately afterward? Will you need to take time off of work to heal? Before committing to this procedure, keep reading to see what the recovery process will be like.
How Gum Recontouring Works
Back in the day, if you wanted gum recontouring, your dentist would perform the procedure using scalpels and sutures. Thankfully, dentists of today take a much gentler and less invasive approach using soft tissue lasers. These can remove excess gum tissue without causing the pain, swelling, or bleeding that were common with the traditional method. In addition to making the experience more comfortable and creating a better result, laser dentistry also guarantees a shorter and more comfortable recovery.
Recovering After Gum Recontouring
After you have undergone a gum recontouring procedure, in order to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible, your dentist will recommend that you:
- Take the day of your procedure and maybe the following one off to relax, which will help curtail any swelling or bleeding (which will be minimal thanks to the laser).
- Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the treatment area. Initially, you can clean this part of your mouth by rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash or warm saltwater. After a week or two, you should be able to clean the area like normal.
- Initially, avoid any spicy or crunchy food items that might irritate the sensitive tissue. Even if you try to chew in a different part of your mouth, saliva can end up moving spices where you don’t want them.
- Limit physical activity for at least a few days. If your job involves a lot of moving around or heavy labor, plan to take about two days off.
- For any soreness or swelling, you can take an OTC medication, but avoid anything with aspirin, as this can lead to bleeding.
Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
All in all, fixing a gummy smile these days is an easy and comfortable experience with the help of laser dentistry. When you talk to your cosmetic dentist about the procedure, they’ll outline what your recovery should be like and answer any questions you might have. After taking it easy for a few days, you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine and show off your confident new smile!
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an award-winning cosmetic dentist who has served the Massapequa Park area for over three decades. A respected clinician and in-demand speaker and educator, he has helped countless patients achieve their dream smiles with laser gum recontouring, and you can see a few examples of his work here. To learn more about the procedure or schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohr, click here.