Gum Lift and Gummy Smile Treatment

Excess gum tissue can make teeth appear shorter or create an uneven gum line. A gingivectomy, often called a gum lift, is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes extra gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth and improve your smile’s proportions. At Gasper Periodontics and Implant Surgery, Dr. Gasper evaluates your gum health and tooth structure, checks for gum disease, and determines whether soft tissue gum contouring is appropriate for your needs.

What Is a Gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure that removes excess gum tissue around one or more teeth. When performed as a cosmetic procedure, it can address a gummy smile caused by extra gum coverage without reshaping the underlying bone. Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, may include gingivoplasty to refine the shape of the remaining tissue and create a more balanced gum line.

The benefits of gum contouring may include improved symmetry and more natural-looking tooth proportions. Dr. Gasper can also coordinate cosmetic gum reshaping with your general dentist or cosmetic dentist when it is part of a broader smile treatment plan.

Why a Gum Lift May Be Needed

The amount and shape of gum tissue surrounding your teeth can affect how your smile looks and how easily you can keep certain areas clean. Common reasons for considering a gum lift include:

• Excess gum tissue covering otherwise healthy teeth
• Teeth that appear short because of gum coverage
• An uneven gum line
• Excessive gum display when smiling
• Gum enlargement that persists after appropriate initial treatment
• Difficulty cleaning around areas of excess gum tissue

A gingivectomy is appropriate only when enough healthy gum tissue can remain, and the underlying bone allows safe tissue removal. Because a gummy smile can also involve lip movement or jaw proportions, Dr. Gasper will identify the cause before recommending treatment.

Types of Gum Lift Procedures

Dr. Gasper will determine the most appropriate approach based on your gum tissue, bone levels, and treatment goals.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue to uncover more of the natural tooth. This approach may be recommended when gum coverage makes teeth appear short, and bone reshaping is unnecessary.

Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty reshapes the gum tissue to improve its contours and symmetry. It may be performed alone or alongside a gingivectomy to refine the gum line.

When the underlying bone is too close to the proposed gum line, removing soft tissue alone may not provide a healthy, stable result. For cases requiring bone reshaping, Dr. Gasper may recommend Aesthetic Crown Lengthening.

What to Expect During a Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy is typically performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Dr. Gasper carefully removes the planned amount of excess tissue and shapes the gum line while preserving the tissue needed to protect your teeth. When appropriate, a protective dressing may be placed, and you will receive instructions for caring for the area at home.

Recovery and Healing Process After the Gum Contouring Procedure

Mild tenderness, swelling, and minor bleeding can occur during the initial healing period. We may recommend soft foods and modified brushing and flossing around the treatment area while the gums heal. Recovery varies with the extent of gum reshaping, and follow-up appointments allow Dr. Gasper to monitor healing and the final gum contours.

Benefits of Gingivectomy and Gum Contouring Surgery

• Reduce excess gum coverage
• Reveal more of the natural tooth surface
• Improve gum line symmetry
• Create more balanced tooth proportions
• Address a gummy smile caused by excess soft tissue
• Make selected areas easier to clean when excess tissue interferes
• Refine gum contours without bone reshaping in suitable cases

Schedule a Consultation

If your teeth appear short or you are concerned about excess gum tissue when you smile, Dr. Gasper can determine whether a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty is appropriate. Your consultation will include an evaluation of your gums, teeth, and underlying bone to identify the treatment that best fits your needs. Contact us today by completing the online contact form to schedule your consultation.