Gum contouring or gum lift

What is gum lift or contouring?

Gum contouring is a type of gum surgery in which the gum line is reshaped and corrected.

In this process, excess gum tissue is removed. If the gum has receded around the tooth, the tissue must be restored.

In many cases, this treatment is considered cosmetic and therefore selective; That is, it is not medically necessary. Rather, its purpose is the beauty of teeth and smile.

But sometimes the dentist recommends this for medical reasons.

What is gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of excess gum tissue called gingiva. Gingivectomy is mainly done to treat gum infection and prevent its spread.

What are the reasons for the need for gingivectomy?

If you have gum inflammation or infection, this may be recommended to prevent further damage as well as access the tooth for scaling. Gum disease often causes the gum to separate from the tooth and create a cavity called a pocket at the base of the tooth. Over time, food particles, plaque and bacteria accumulate in this cavity and cause infection. Since it is not possible to access the inside of the cavity and clean it with a toothbrush, gingivectomy should be performed to prevent further destruction and treat the gums.

Also, in cases where the dentist notices the occurrence of gum disease, he may perform a gingivectomy to prevent its spread.

What is the difference between gingivectomy and gingivoplasty?

In both surgeries, gum tissue is removed. The main difference between these two treatments is that gingivectomy is performed to remove diseased gum tissue and reduce the depth of the pocket between the gum and the tooth. While gingivoplasty or gum lift is done to change the shape of the gum tissue for cosmetic reasons. Gingivoplasty can be performed together with gingivectomy.

Benefits and advantages of contouring or gum lift

If the gum covers a large surface of the tooth and is long, or on the contrary, it covers a very small surface of the tooth and is short, or the gum line is not smooth and level, the beauty of the smile will be reduced. People who are not satisfied with the condition of their gums can make their teeth and smile more beautiful with this cosmetic procedure.

When the gum is too long and covers too much of the tooth surface, it makes the teeth look short. The cause of this condition can be genetics, oral health problems, or the use of certain medications.

Short gingiva, which makes the teeth look too long, is often caused by receding gums. In gingival recession, damaged or infected gum tissue recedes and moves away from the tooth, exposing the roots of the tooth.

Receding gums do not only make the teeth appear longer, but can also cause problems such as tooth decay and sensitivity and even its loss. If you have receding gums, the dentist will first take non-surgical measures, if it is not effective, a gingivectomy will be performed. You may also need soft tissue reconstruction or grafting.

What are the complications and disadvantages of gum contouring?

• Bleeding may last up to 48 hours after surgery.
• Infection may occur.
• Pain and discomfort may be experienced after the anesthesia wears off, which can be relieved with painkillers.
• Long-term complications in gingivoplasty rarely happen.

Necessary care after gum contouring

• Since the gums are sensitive at first, it is better to eat very soft foods for two or three days. Among the things you can eat during this time are:
  • Soup
  • Yogurt
  • Jelly
  • Porridge
  • Meek
• You will probably be asked to return in a few days or a week to check the condition of the gums.
• You will be prescribed antibiotics (mouthwash or oral) to prevent infection.

See your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms as they may indicate an infection:

• Increased pain and swelling
• Discharge from the gums