Gum Lift

What is a Gum Lift?

A gum lift, also known as “gum contouring” or a gingivectomy, is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves the appearance of your smile by removing excess gum tissue above your teeth, minimizing a “gummy” look or reshaping an uneven gum line to appear more symmetrical.

Why Do I Need a Gum Lift?

Some people have gums that aesthetically detract from their smile, whether they come too far down on their teeth or are uneven and asymmetrical. There are a number of reasons why you might find your gums contributing to an aesthetically compromised smile, such as:

• Gums may not have receded all the way after permanent teeth erupted
• Uneven gum recession due to gum disease
• Having teeth that are smaller than average
• Having an upper lip that’s shorter than average

Some people are also just genetically disposed to have more gum tissue than they’d like, or have gums that have just naturally formed in a way that doesn’t compliment the rest of their smile.

Whatever the particular reason, cosmetically subpar gums can make your teeth look smaller, misshapen, or crooked, which can compromise the look of your smile and affect your confidence in your appearance.

A gum lift can correct these cosmetic imbalances, giving you a more symmetrical gum line and proportionately sized teeth. Much like a face-lift or an eyelift, the value of a gum lift lies in its ability to increase your confidence by improving your appearance.

What is the Process for Getting a Gum Lift?

The dental experts at Smile Design Manhattan can administer your gum lift in a single office visit.

After discussing your cosmetic desires and treatment goals, your dentist uses a dental pen to draw a projection of your new gum line on your smile. Once you’re satisfied with the proposed new gum line, your dentist administers a local anesthetic and uses a laser to gently trim your excess gum tissue in accordance with the outline drawn on your gums.

The laser cauterizes your tissue as it cuts, effectively sealing off your blood vessels and eliminating the need for stitches. It also minimizes bleeding and your post-op recovery time.

Your gums will be swollen for a few days after your gum lift, but the discomfort is mild and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. You’ll be able to eat and drink within 24 hours after your procedure, and your gums will be completely healed within a week.

To learn more, or to get started with your gum lift, make an appointment with Smile Design Manhattan today. You can book your visit by calling the office or using the convenient online scheduling tool.

Book Online