Do you ever get insecure about your “gummy” smile and want it fixed? But at the same time, are you scared of going under the knife and how painful the procedure might be? Worry no more, because in today’s article, we’re focusing on all the things you need to know about gum lift procedures. That way, you can make informed decisions on whether or not you’re availing of this service for your smile makeover.
Gum Lift 101: What is it and what does it do?
A gum lift refers to a cosmetic dental procedure wherein the gum line is reshaped by cutting away parts of it to improve the appearance of your smile. Otherwise called gum contouring or gingivectomy, this procedure helps address certain gummy issues like uneven gum lines or excessive gum tissue covering your teeth. If you go to the dental office, you’ll probably see a poster of gum lifts before and after, and you’re bound to see the stark difference from the plastered images; the after image has a more defined and profound smile, making it more appealing to look at.
How is the procedure done?
If you’re wondering if the procedure for gum contouring is intense, we’re here to tell you that it’s not. The procedure is done by the dentist, who cuts away a small portion of the gums that overshadows the teeth using a scalpel, laser, or other surgical tools. If the patient wants it, the dentist can even reshape the underlying bone to achieve the patient’s ideal gum line.
Once the procedure is done, your dentist will place stitches for a faster recovery time, and you can heal without a hitch. During the recovery period, you may experience discomfort, swelling, or even a bit of sensitivity to the area, but these are all normal.
Reading all that sounds kind of scary, but don’t worry; the dentist will have you under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the whole process. Though we do understand where your anxiety is coming from, unlike crooked teeth, where braces or Invisalign can help you fix your dental issues, getting a gingivectomy requires surgery. However, we want to assure you that it’s generally painless, and after a week or two of recovery, you’re good to go!
Am I fit for a gum lift procedure?
Now that you have a general idea of what gum contouring is and how it’s done, you may be enticed to get yours done as well. But not so fast! There are actually certain criteria for you to be able to get your gums contoured, which are the following:
- You have a “gummy” smile to the point that too much gum tissue is exposed whenever you smile.
- Your gums are overshadowing your teeth.
- You have uneven gum lines.
- You developed a gum disease because of your gum recession.
Everybody wants to enhance their smiles, and although getting a gum lift is one of the ideal ways to do so, you have to consult with your local and qualified dentist first if you’re fit to get the procedure done. If not, don’t worry; other dental treatments will surely address your concerns and help you achieve that beaming smile.
What are the benefits of the gum lift procedure?
Getting a gum lift has a lot of benefits, apart from enhancing your smile, and these include the following:
- It gives you a more symmetrical smile. As humans, we’re pretty much wired to appreciate things that have symmetry because they’re more appealing to look at. In line with this thought, an even smile makes you more attractive and pleasing to others.
- It boosts your confidence. Never underestimate the power of a good smile because it not only makes you feel good on the outside but on the inside as well.
- It highlights the appearance of your teeth. Who would have thought that cutting away a certain portion of your gums could improve your teeth’s appearance so much? Thanks to gum lifting, you can now have a great tooth-to-gum ratio, making your teeth pop out.
- It addresses possible gum problems. Aesthetic benefits aside, gum contouring also has healthy benefits because it addresses gum diseases that are caused by receding gums.
Ultimately, a gum lift procedure can dramatically enhance your smile by simply reshaping your gum line. With the help of your dentist’s expert hands and modern technology, the procedure is generally painless and has minimal downtime, so you can start flashing your enhanced smile in no time at all.