gum contouring

We frequently encounter cases when the client has straight teeth with nice color and shape, but the gums on one or two teeth appear to have moved or fallen. In these situations, we advise you to create a plastic gum contour to restore the gums to their natural level. It is carried out for therapeutic or esthetic purposes. The gum contouring procedure is carried out while feeling no pain locally. The dental surgeon performs a visual evaluation before deciding where to perform surgery. 

Table of Contents

The following factors may contribute to gum pathology:

gum contouring
  • the malocclusion,
  • dental treatments,
  • jaw abnormalities that develop at birth,
  • gingivitis and periodontitis,

In these situations, gum contouring aids in enhancing both the physical look and health.

Gum contouring indications:

  • The tooth's root is visible.

    The procedure lowers gums’ sensitivity,reduces the chance of tooth decay, and lowers the risk of acquiring infectious problems.

  • The reversal of a gingival smile when the teeth are overexposed.

  • Gum enhancement following bone grafting.

  • Inflammatory conditions of the periodontium and gums.

    If treating the effects of inflammation with therapeutic techniques is not an option, a procedure is done to stop the infection from spreading further.

Contraindications for gum contouring:

gum contouring
  • the associated gum's breadth is too narrow for surgical procedures,
  • thick gum pockets,
  • reasons for having a bone enhancement procedure,
  • severe edema and inflammation
  • interosseous pockets,
  • abnormalities in the vestibule of the mouth's structure.

Gum contouring surgery types:

The form of gum contouring is chosen based on the indications, the beginning condition of the mucosa, and the desired outcome:

Gingivectomy: This procedure includes removing a portion of the enlarged gums when there are significant gum pockets. 

An operation called a vestibuloplasty is the exact opposite of a gingivectomy. By using this technique, the gums’ volume can be recovered during their recession-induced atrophy. The procedure starts with the base of the gums being sliced, then the flap is relocated. Grafts can be used as building materials in locations where aesthetics are not as essential.

The procedure known as a “hood excision” is used to enhance the volume of the gums during teething (often, this issue affects older patients due to the development of “wisdom teeth”). In order to help the tooth grow regularly and reduce the patient’s pain, the hood must be removed, along with some gum tissue.

Undercutting the frenulum of the lip and tongue: The frenulum is a thin film that connects the lips, tongue, and gums. It may be too short, which causes stress on the gums and causes them to recede, or it may be too big, which covers a portion of the front teeth. This bridle’s shape can be altered to improve its appearance.

Stages of gum contouring:

gum contouring

  • Consultation with a dentist.

    The doctor evaluates the condition of the oral cavity, the need for preliminary professional cleanliness, the indications for gum plastics, and the type of operation.

  • Training.

    Anesthesia, isolation of the operation room, and antiseptic treatment. Either the conductor approach, which involves blocking the relevant nerve, or the infiltration method, in which the tissues are impregnated with an anesthetic, is employed to induce anesthesia.

  • Gum removal and plastic surgery.

    A flap is created from neighboring tissues or other areas of the mucosa and sutured in the plastic zone after incorrectly positioned or changed tissues are removed. When a collagen matrix is used, it is stitched to the gum to allow the new patient's own tissues to develop on top of it.

  • Recuperation, healing

    Although oral mucosa wounds often heal quite rapidly, there are a few guidelines that must be followed to avoid any consequences. After around 7 days, the post-operative edema fully goes away. You should consult a doctor if you are worried about bleeding of the gums, pain, or fever. After two to three hours, you should be able to drink mineral or boiling water at room temperature. In 5-8 hours, you can eat. It is advised to give up smoking during the gum recovery process. In the first three weeks, until full gum healing, it is recommended to avoid spicy foods, foods that are too hot or cold, hard fruits and vegetables, and crackers since they all have an annoying impact. Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, but avoid brushing the surgical site. The doctor will also advise using an antiseptic rinse.

What alternatives for gum surgery are there?

gum contouring

A prosthesis, which offers a plastic or acrylic basis, may be an option if the patient requires reconstructive surgery of the entire gum contour due to extensive tooth loss. It will work as a synthetic gum and hide any imperfections in the natural mucosa that may already exist. This will enable patients to avoid gum surgery, particularly when it is essential to do the procedure along the entire alveolar ridge, which is both technically challenging and expensive.

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