Laser Gum Recontouring

Laser therapies can mold and restructure the gum tissue. Each patient’s smile design is unique; while some patients want the gumline to be more symmetrical, others want to remove excess tissue to reveal longer teeth. Gum recontouring also is utilized with veneer placement to create an even smile line.

Gum recontouring is minimally invasive. The area is numbed and patients should not feel pain during the treatment. Once the gums are reshaped, patients must follow a few guidelines to facilitate healing and optimize results.

After this treatment, Dr. Frith will explain proper care procedures to ensure that patients don't damage the gumline or cause irritation to the area. Typically, patients are advised to not eat spicy foods; certain spices and seasonings can aggravate and irritate the treated tissue. Patients also should not eat foods with tiny seeds or grains--even fruits like strawberries might irritate the tissue as seeds can lodge into the gumline or irritate the sensitive tissue. In addition, patients should be gentle when cleaning their gums; brush gently and always use a soft-bristle toothbrush.