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Most people don’t realize that it’s not just healthy teeth that make up a beautiful smile. Your gums are equally important. An uneven gum line may make your otherwise perfect smile look unattractive. 

Dr. Iyad Altwal at City Family Dental and Implant Centre in Modesto, California has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful smiles through gum contouring.

Keep reading to learn more about gum line contouring for an attractive smile.

What Is Gum Line Contouring? 

An excessive amount of gingival tissue may create a ‘gummy’ smile. In this case, it’s not your teeth but the gums that need attention. Also known as tissue sculpting or gingivectomy, gum contouring is a standard cosmetic dentistry procedure that reshapes your gum line to even out your smile.

Thanks to the development of laser dentistry, dentists today use high-powered laser light to remove or shape gum tissue. You will be given local anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable. Since the laser seals up the wound, there is no bleeding involved. 

If you have gum recession, then the dentist will use tissue from another part of your mouth and add it to your gum line. Adding length and structure results in a symmetrical smile.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Contouring?

If your gums are too high or low and make you feel less confident about your smile, you may consider gum contouring.  

At times, a gummy smile is not a problem. On the other hand, when you have receding gums that expose the roots of the teeth, this will make the teeth appear extra long. Similarly, if you have excess gum tissue, your smile may look imperfect. 

Other reasons for uneven or excessive gums include congenital defects or mouth injuries.

Why Should You Consider Gum Contouring?

According to a recent CDC report, more than 47% of adults suffer from some form of periodontal disease. When you have exposed tooth roots due to receding gums, they become more susceptible to plaque and bacteria. Loss of gum tissue may also speed up the loss of bone.

Alternatively, the risk of food getting caught between excessive gum tissue is higher, making it harder to clean your teeth. 

Besides its aesthetic benefits, gum contouring also helps treat periodontitis and keeps your teeth strong and healthy.

To learn more about how gum contouring can transform your smile and improve your oral health, call (209) 554-1700. You can also visit City Family Dental & Implant Centre at 1317 Oakdale Rd Suite 310, Modesto, CA 95355.