Q & A About Gum Sculpting/Recontouring

Want to learn more about gum sculpting/gingival recontouring? Read some of the top questions and answers below.

Q: What is gum sculpting?

A: Gum sculpting is also commonly referred to as gingival recontouring. It is a procedure in which the gum tissue around the teeth is reshaped in order to improve oral health, provide a more esthetically pleasing smile or to allow enough room for dental restorations to be placed. It usually requires for excess gum tissue to be removed in order for more of the tooth to be displayed.

Q: Can gum sculpting correct a gummy smile?

A: Yes, gum sculpting can address the concern of a gummy smile. In many cases, people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile because their gums come down too low, covering a large portion of their teeth. This causes the teeth to appear very small when in actuality they are probably of proper size. Gum sculpting can remove excess gum tissue in order to reveal a more balanced gum line.

Q: Who can perform a gum sculpting procedure?

A: Generally a periodontist should perform a gum sculpting procedure. Periodontists are dentists that have advanced schooling and training in the supporting structures of the teeth such as the bone and gums. Gums are a periodontist’s specialty so in many cases they are the ideal choice for who should perform the gum recontouring procedure.

Q: How is a gum sculpting procedure performed?

A: A gum sculpting procedure can involve the use of scalpels or in many cases can be completed using a laser. The technique that is used during the procedure will depend on each person’s individual situation and what the dentist determines will provide the best result.

Q: Is it medically necessary to have a gum sculpting procedure?

A: In many cases, it is not medically necessary for the gums to be recontoured. Many times the gums are actually in perfectly good health it is just that they come down too low on the teeth and for cosmetic purposes, people elect to have the reshaped. A gum sculpting procedure can vastly improve the appearance of the smile and in many cases can boost the self confidence of the person who has the procedure done. A young patient at Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates in Metro Detroit had a gum sculpting procedure done and this is what her mother had to say about it:

“From the very first moment my daughter walked through the doors she was treated as though she was Dr. Nemeth’s only patient. From the front desk to nurse Sue to Dr. Nemeth, her treatment has been first class. Dr Nemeth has given my daughter back her confidence  and the transformation in not only in her smile but in her personality too. I cannot begin to thank you all enough. Her smile is BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I am such a grateful and thankful mom.”

Dr. Joseph Nemeth is a periodontist in the Metro Detroit area. He has been treating the mouth and gums for over 25 years and is a leader in the field of periodontal plastic surgery. You can find out more about gum sculpting/gingival recontouring by visiting this webpage. To view some before and after cases of gum sculpting procedures Dr. Nemeth has performed, please click here.