Who Needs to Contour Gums?

What stands out most when you smile, your teeth or gums? If you see more gums than teeth, you have a “gummy smile,” a common situation we can easily fix.

Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington and Slidell, Louisiana, specialize in gum contouring. This advanced procedure can balance your smile and improve your oral health with non-invasive laser therapy.

Here’s what gum contouring can do for you and what to consider before undergoing the procedure.

Is gum contouring a cosmetic or medical treatment?

Gum contouring serves multiple purposes; some fall under the cosmetic category, and others are medical procedures. 

Cosmetic reasons

When you choose gum contouring to change the look of your smile, it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Here are some examples:

Fixing a gummy smile: If your gums extend too far over your teeth, gum contouring removes the excess tissue to create a balanced look.

Creating an even gum line: An uneven gum line can make your smile look asymmetrical. Reshaping your gums gives you a more symmetrical smile.

Medical necessities

Sometimes, gum contouring treats medical and dental conditions, such as:

Tooth decay and crown fit: We may recommend crown lengthening if decay or trauma extends below your gumline. Gum contouring exposes more of the tooth structure so we have better access and your crown fits properly.

Preventing gum recession complications: Gum recession exposes your tooth roots, making them susceptible to sensitivity, decay, and tooth loss. Contouring your gums as part of a treatment plan restores tooth support.

Whether you’re addressing function or aesthetics, gum contouring solves several dental issues.

When crown lengthening is necessary

Crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue and, sometimes, bone to expose more of the tooth structure. We use this procedure when:

• A tooth is too short to support a crown or filling securely
• Your smile is disproportionately gummy, creating an imbalance
• Decay or fractures extend below the gumline, affecting restorative work

By making the tooth more accessible, crown lengthening improves the results of crowns, veneers, and other restorative treatments. 

Gum recession and why it’s more than a cosmetic issue

Unlike a gummy smile, where too much gum tissue covers your teeth, gum recession is when gum tissue begins to pull back, exposing tooth roots. This has both aesthetic and health implications, affecting appearance, tooth sensitivity, and tooth stability:

• Receding gums can make your teeth look long and uneven
• Exposed roots cause pain when you consume hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Severe gum recession can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss 

Gum recession causes:

• Over-brushing with excessive force
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Mouth trauma or structural issues

We can perform tissue grafting with lasers to restore your gums. The precision of laser technology reduces post-procedure discomfort and ensures a more seamless recovery.

Why lasers lead the way in gum procedures

At St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants, we exclusively use lasers for procedures like crown lengthening and gum contouring. Here’s why the laser trumps traditional scalpel methods:

More precise

Lasers allow us to target and reshape gum tissue without affecting surrounding areas.

Minimal discomfort

Forget the sharp scalpel — lasers safely remove tissue with minimal bleeding or swelling.

Speedy recovery

Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two. A shorter recovery means you return to your routine more quickly.

No unsettling sounds

Unlike scalpels or drills, lasers are quiet, so your experience is more comfortable.

Safer

Lasers reduce the risk of infection post-procedure while delivering consistent, predictable results.

Thinking about gum contouring?

Whether to boost self-esteem, save a tooth, or enhance restorative dental work, we tailor our gum contouring treatments to your needs. 

Request a consultation online or call us at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington or Slidell, Louisiana today.