Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gingival sculpting, is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the appearance and proportion of the gums in relation to the teeth.
For many people, an uneven or excessive gumline can make teeth look smaller or create an imbalanced smile. Gum contouring gently reshapes the tissue to achieve a smoother, more symmetrical appearance while maintaining gum health.
The shape of your gums plays a bigger role in your smile than you might think. When gums extend too far down, they can make teeth appear shorter and affect the overall balance of facial features. In other cases, the gumline may appear uneven, with some teeth looking longer than others.
Gum contouring addresses both of these concerns by sculpting the soft tissue that frames the teeth. Dentists may recommend the procedure for aesthetic reasons, or for functional reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a crown or veneer.
How the Procedure Works
Gum contouring can be performed using either a traditional scalpel or, more commonly, a dental laser. The laser technique has become the preferred option because it allows for exceptional precision and minimal discomfort.
Before treatment, the dentist applies a local anesthetic to numb the area. Using a laser, they then remove small amounts of gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface or create an even gumline. The laser cauterizes as it works, which reduces bleeding and speeds healing.
For patients requiring more extensive reshaping, such as those with excess gum and bone tissue, the dentist may combine gum contouring with crown lengthening, a procedure that adjusts both the gum and bone for improved stability.
Recovery
After gum contouring, the treated area will feel mildly tender for a few days. Most patients describe the sensation as minor soreness rather than pain. Your dentist will likely recommend a soft diet and a gentle brushing technique until the tissue heals.
Cold compresses can help reduce any swelling during the first 24 hours, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient for comfort. Because laser contouring minimizes trauma to the tissue, healing is typically quick, often within one to two weeks. That said, it’s crucial to follow all aftercare instructions, as the gums are delicate during recovery. Avoid spicy or acidic foods, smoking, or alcohol until your dentist confirms that healing is complete.
Benefits
Gum contouring is best suited for individuals who have healthy gums but are unhappy with the proportion of their gumline. If you’ve ever felt that your teeth appear too short, uneven, or overshadowed by gum tissue, you may be a good candidate.
However, gum contouring is not appropriate for patients with active gum disease or significant inflammation. Those conditions must be treated first to ensure a safe and predictable outcome. Your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health and discuss whether gum contouring aligns with your goals.
The visual change after gum contouring can be subtle yet powerful. The teeth appear longer, the smile looks more balanced, and the gums frame the teeth in a way that enhances natural beauty. Because the reshaped gumline typically remains stable, the results are long-lasting and require little maintenance beyond regular oral hygiene.