110_ Gingivectomy_ Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy

Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy

While there are few, if any, health or hygiene risks associated with a gummy smile, the disproportionate appearance of the smile can cause discomfort and come with a lack of confidence or hesitation in smiling to begin with. If you notice your gums more than your teeth when you smile, you might consider looking into a gingivectomy procedure or another cosmetic treatment that improves the balanced appearance of your smile. Your dentist can determine the cause for your gummy smile, which might be related to the size of your teeth, the size and mechanics or your upper lip, the placement of your teeth, or the growth of your gums. Using x-rays, measurements, and calculations, your dentist can determine your options for correcting the ratios in your smile and help determine your optimal treatment options.

When used for cosmetic purposes, a gingivectomy might be referred to as a gum lift. This procedure removes surplus gum tissue around the teeth and makes the teeth appear longer and more evenly proportioned with the gums. A gingivectomy can be performed with a scalpel or with a handheld laser and includes both the removal of excessive gum tissue and the resculpting of remaining tissue. When a scalpel is used, the dentist will close incisions in the gums with sutures, while lasers cauterize the surgical sites and eliminate this need. Sometimes, more than one gingivectomy procedure is recommended, though each procedure usually takes under an hour and comes with low risks and minimal healing time while delivering highly impactful results.

If the cause of your gummy smile is attributed to excessive rigidity in the upper lip, botox injections can help relax the lip muscles and allow the lips to cover more of the gum tissue when you smile. This can make a big difference under certain circumstances. Porcelain dental veneers can also be paired with a gingivectomy, making the teeth appear longer and more substantial while still looking natural. Because the tone of dental porcelain is tinted to perfectly match natural tooth enamel, these veneers look just like natural teeth, only better.

If the appearance of excessive gum tissue is attributed to the position of the teeth, orthodontic treatment might be necessary. These treatments can help move the teeth in such a way that more of the upper lip can cover the gums, resulting in a reduced appearance of gum tissue when you smile. Some of these treatment options are more invasive or more expensive than others, though a gingivectomy on its own is a reasonably priced, minimally invasive treatment. Working closely with your cosmetic dentist can ensure that you select a treatment that’s right for your clinical and aesthetic needs as well as your budget, and a simple gingivectomy could have dramatic effects on the overall appearance of your smile. Because elective, cosmetic dentistry procedures are rarely covered by dental insurance, make sure you consult with your dentist as you plan your treatment; together, you can decide which treatment will work best to improve the appearance of your gums and your smile.