What is Gum Contouring or Crown Lengthening?

Similar to teeth, the gum lines of human beings are diverse and variegated. Some gum lines are high, some are low, and some may even be uneven. The cosmetic dental procedure of reshaping the gum line is known as gum contouring or crown lengthening. The method entails removing any excess gum tissue that may be covering a tooth or teeth. On the contrary, in cases of gum recession, the gum tissue is restored. The procedure of crown lengthening or gingival sculpting is performed by a dental expert who reshapes and re-sculptures the gum line. It is noteworthy to highlight that many a time, gum contouring is an elective and a cosmetic procedure, but there may be situations wherein it becomes an absolute necessity. Now that we have talked about the fundamentals of gum contouring let us dive further into the medical contextualization of the procedure.  

When Does Gum Contouring Become Necessary?
As mentioned earlier, gum contouring or gingival sculpting is mainly motivated by cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. But, there may be times when it becomes mandatory and vital for the overall oral health of a person. In cases of periodontal diseases like periodontitis, gum contouring may emerge as a viable treatment. But, the first option that dental experts take to is non-invasive or non-surgical techniques such as medications, dental cleanings, and likewise. The various steps included in gum contouring are:

• Numbing of the gum area by using local anesthesia
• An expert removes the excess gum tissue by using a soft tissue laser or a scalpel. The reasoning is to re-sculpt or re-fashion the gum line so that more of the tooth is exposed.
• In cases of gum recession, the dental expert adds more gum tissue in the target area by extracting tissue from other parts of the mouth. A surgical procedure secures the tissues.
• Gum contouring or crown lengthening usually takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.

Let us move forward toward the post-surgical care associated with gum contouring.

Aftermath of Gum Contouring
Although gum contouring is a minimally invasive dental procedure, the healing time may extend from days to even weeks. Therefore, you might have to limit or restrict some of your daily activities depending on how you feel. You should consume soft and tender foods for at least 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Food items like soup, protein shakes, juices, etc., should be your go-to. Similarly, you should keep monitoring your gums and rush to the doctor if there is even a minuscule sign of infection. At times, your dentist may suggest antibiotic mouth rinses or mouthwashes for alleviating the risks of disease. Make sure that you rigorously follow the instructions given by your dentist. The common signs of infection after gum contouring include intense pain, swelling, and discharge from the gums.

We can safely say that gum contouring or gingival sculpting is usually a cosmetic dental procedure that may become a necessity in cases of periodontal conditions. 

Schedule your appointment with Cypress dentist today and get the treatment on time!