Who Is a Candidate for Gum Contouring?

• Patients with a gummy smile (too much gum showing when smiling)
• Patients with an uneven or asymmetrical gumline
• Patients whose teeth appear too short due to excess gum tissue
• Patients preparing for veneers or crowns who need crown lengthening

The Gum Contouring Procedure

Gum contouring is typically performed in a single visit under local anesthesia. We use a soft tissue laser or surgical instruments to carefully remove and reshape the excess gum tissue. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours depending on how much reshaping is needed. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover within 1-2 weeks.

Recovery

After gum contouring, your gums may be tender and swollen for a few days. We recommend eating soft foods, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and rinsing with warm salt water. Most patients return to normal activities the next day. Full healing takes 1-2 weeks.

Insurance & Cost

Gum contouring for purely cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. When performed for functional reasons (crown lengthening before a crown), it may be partially covered. We offer financing to make the procedure affordable.