Gum Lift And Contouring Procedures

By Author: ndxmart
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What is a gum lift?

A gum lift or gingivectomy is a procedure that removes gum to make teeth appear longer and the gum line more even. Some people expose more gum than others when they smile, as their smile line is high which can make them look rather gummy. In cases where the gum line is uneven it can detract from an otherwise lovely smile, and it is surprising what a difference it can make to appearance when the gum line is even and symmetrical. This procedure is generally performed on the front teeth as these are the ones that are normally the most affected during smiling. It can affect other teeth, but these may not be so visible in the smile line.

What causes this gummy look?

This can be due to a variety of reasons which include genetics or health, and it can also become an issue due to certain medications prescribed for high blood pressure. Although having a gummy smile or uneven gum line is in no way harmful to teeth, it can make people feel quite self-conscious about smiling, and if this affects you then cosmetic dentists in Houston can help you rediscover a great smile.

What ...
... does it involve?

It's a very quick procedure that can be done either by using a scalpel or a laser in as little as one visit. Your Houston dentist will begin by using a local anesthetic in the area to be re-contoured, after which the gum is literally cut away and reshaped. The advantage of using a laser for this procedure is that it seals the blood vessels automatically, so that healing time may be faster and there will be little or no blood. There shouldn't be any pain with this procedure, although some mild discomfort may be felt for a day or two.

This type of treatment can work especially well when a patient is having veneers, and when performed by an artistic dentist, can produce extremely good aesthetic results which is wonderful for such a simple treatment that involves minimal discomfort. The most important thing is to choose an experienced cosmetic dentist who knows exactly what they are doing, as while this is a very simple and straightforward procedure when performed by an expert, it is possible that inexperienced surgeons may remove too much gum or may not create a truly even result, hence the need for a surgeon with artistic flair.

For more information about Houston Dentists, please visit www.midtowndentistry.com