Do You Have a Gummy Smile? The Benefits of Getting a Gum Lift

Are you unhappy with your smile because it looks too “gummy”? It’s not just your imagination. Excessive gum tissue can distort the appearance of even the healthiest-looking teeth. Fortunately, there’s a dental solution to your aesthetics problem. A cosmetic dental provider in the Cincinnati area can sculpt or contour your gums with a gum lift, balancing your smile and giving you a more natural look.

What Is a Gum Lift?

Gingivectomy is a word more familiar to dentists than patients. Most people might have an easier time understanding the term “gum lift” but not necessarily know how the procedure works.

During a gum lift, a local dentist who performs periodontal or cosmetic procedures trims away excess gum tissue to make the teeth more visible. In some cases, the gums are thicker in some places than others, so a gum lift or contouring creates a more even gum line and uniform smile.

Not all gum lifts are done for solely cosmetic reasons. Gum contouring is often a part of procedures like crown lengthening, pocket reduction to reduce gum disease, and other regenerative treatments.

What Happens During and After a Gum Lift?

A gum lift typically takes 2-3 hours. You’ll receive local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake the whole time. Although this procedure is minor, you’ll likely have some general discomfort for a few days afterward. Your dentist can recommend or prescribe medications for pain relief.

You can expect your gums to be completely healed within a week. The results of your gum lift will be permanent.

Improve our Smile with Gum Contouring

Whether for cosmetic reasons or part of restorative treatment, gum contouring is one of the many procedures we offer at Beckham Square Family Dental. If you’re interested in a gum lift or have questions, we’ll happily answer them. Call us today at 513.489.7800 to schedule your consultation or set up your next routine checkup and professional teeth cleaning close to home.