What is Gum Lifting?
Sometimes the contour of your gums can make one tooth look shorter than the other, when in fact the teeth are fine. Excessive gum tissue or gum tissue of varying heights is not necessarily unhealthy, but can produce an uneven looking smile. To correct these conditions, a gum lift is performed. A gum lift or gum contouring procedure can be done painlessly in a very short time, without sutures or bleeding, and at the same time as your other restorative treatment. The result is a beautiful, even-looking smile.
Did You Know?
Gum lifts can be used as a cosmetic procedure to improve the look of your smile or as a treatment for periodontal disease. When gum disease does not respond to antibiotics or dental cleanings, pocket reduction surgery is done to remove excess gum tissue as a way of restoring gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for a gum lift?
You may be a candidate for a gum lift if you have excessive gum tissue that grows over your teeth and makes them appear smaller than normal. You may also be a candidate for a gum lift if you are having restorations placed such as veneers or dental crowns. A gum lift may also be required if you have an existing dental crown that has been partially covered by gum overgrowth. Gum lifts can also be used to even out an uneven gum line. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for a gum lift, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sadati today.
What can I expect during a gum lift?
Gum lifts can be performed in as little as one office visit and it usually takes about 1-2 hours. During a gum lift, a local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment site to keep you comfortable. Dental sedation options are also available if requested. To begin, Dr. Sadati will mark the new gum line and discuss this with you. Then a dental laser or scalpel will be used to remove excess gum tissue to improve your gum line contour. Sutures may also be used. In some cases, bone may also need to be removed from the tooth root in order to obtain long-term results.
What can I expect after a gum lift?
After your gum lift, you will need to limit your activity level for a few days to promote healing. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort that can be managed with over the counter pain medications and/or applying a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time. In most cases, you can also expect to be on a temporary soft foods diet for the first 2-3 days.
While you recover from a gum lift, your dentist will provide you with information on how to brush your teeth without disrupting the treatment site, as well as how to keep the area clean with salt water or antibiotic mouthwashes. Although you can usually return to your normal activities and diet within a few days of a gum lift, it can take days or weeks for the gums to completely heal.
