Did you know that sometimes your gums can stand in the way of you having the perfect smile? The way your gums connect to your teeth can affect the way your teeth look in terms of size and shape. If your gums sit too low on your teeth, they can make your teeth appear to be small or enlarged, while if your gums sit too high on your teeth, they can make your teeth appear to be too small. When you have an excess of gum tissue that makes your teeth look too small this is commonly referred to as a “gummy smiles”. Also, if your gum line is uneven, it can make your teeth appear to be uneven as well. Too remedy these gum issues, Dr. Sadati sometimes performs what is known as a gum lift.
What is a Gum Lift?
A gum lift, or gingivectomy, is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes uneven or excessive gum tissue to correct gummy smiles and improve the aesthetics of the gum line. Although uneven or excessive gum tissues does not usually pose any threats to your oral health, many people still opt for a gum lift to obtain a more even smile.
Before your gum lift, Dr. Sadati will explain his approach and will mark the new gum line to show you how much gum tissue will be removed and/or reshaped. During the gum lift procedure, you will be properly anesthetized to maintain your comfort. Then, Dr. Sadati will remove and reshaped the gum tissue using a dental laser or scalpel.
After your gum lift is complete, you will need to allow your gums to heal. Dr. Sadati will provide you with specific instructions to follow after your gum lift so that your gums heal as quickly as possible. The recovery process for gum lifts can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the extent of the procedure.
What should you avoid during your recovery?
While you recover from your gum lift procedure, you will want to manage your pain with an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil. You should avoid aspirin because this can cause bleeding.
You will also want to eat cool, soft foods for the first few days such as yogurt, cottage cheese, soft veggies, and ice cream.
You will want to avoid hot or warm foods for the first couple of days following surgery because they can cause bleeding.
Finally, you will also want to follow all of Dr. Sadati’s post-treatment guidelines, especially on how to brush your teeth.
Do I need a Gum Lift?
Ideal candidate for gum lifts are individuals with “gummy smiles” who have an excessive amount of gum tissue or those who have unevenly shaped gums that cause their teeth to appear to be different sizes. Excessive or uneven gums can be caused by genetics or even certain medications. Whatever the cause, gum lifts remove this excessive or uneven tissue to expose the teeth underneath.
You may also want to consider a gum lift if you are prone to gum disease or wish to drastically decrease your chances of developing gum disease. Gum lifts remove deep gum pockets where bacteria can grow, which effectively decreases your chances of developing gum disease. To find out for sure if a gum lift will be beneficial for your oral health and smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sam S. Sadati of The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today!
Why a Gum Lift?
Gum lifts can offer many benefits including being safe, fast, and virtually painless. During the gum lift procedure, the gum tissue is sealed and sterilized while it’s altered, which decreases the risk of infection and minimizes overall inflammation after the procedure.
Gum lifts also offers important health benefits. The most important health benefit offered by gum lifts is the removal of deep gum pockets. Deep gum pockets are a prime location for bacteria to reside and reproduce, causing gum disease and tooth decay. Eliminating these pockets means that there are less places for bacteria to become trapped, which will significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay as a result of excess gum tissue.
In addition, gum lifts are an easy way to give you a beautiful smile which can offer you psychological and social benefits. People who are happy with their smiles tend to smile more, which has a positive effect on those around them. It has also been prove that people who smile more are generally more successful in their careers, have stronger social ties, and live longer, happier lives.
What is the cost of a gum lift?
The exact cost of your gum lift will depend upon the extent and nature of the treatment needed. Generally speaking, a gum lift involving 1-3 contiguous teeth averages about $235, while those involving four or more contiguous teeth can cost an average of $425. However, as mentioned before, the price can vary depending on your individual treatment plan. Also, because gum lifts are usually classified as “cosmetic” procedures, most insurance plans will not offer coverage for them.
To uncover a beautiful, even-looking smile, schedule a consultation with West Palm Beach Dentist Dr. Sam S. Sadati of The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry today!
