Gum Contouring in Chevy Chase, MD

A “gummy smile” occurs when the top part of the tooth is concealed by an excess of gum tissue. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, gum contouring is performed to sculpt the smile by removing the excess soft tissue and exposing more of the tooth. Not only can gum contouring give you a more aesthetically appealing smile, but it can also improve your oral health by reducing areas where bacteria commonly gets trapped. This lowers your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Schedule a consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Despina Markogiannakis at our office in Chevy Chase, MD to learn more about cosmetic gum contouring.

Gum contouring can create a more proportionate smile while improving your overall oral health. You may be a candidate for gum contouring if you want to enhance the look of your smile and diminish a “gummy” appearance. If your gums appear too low, gum contouring can also create a more even gumline. It is also beneficial if you have problems with chronic oral infections or gum disease due to bacteria hiding under excess gum tissue.

Gum contouring is an in-office dental procedure done with a mild local anesthetic. Sedation may be an option if you have anxiety or fears about dental treatments. Prior to the actual procedure, your teeth and gums will be cleaned and dried. Dr. Marko will then use a laser to remove excess gum tissue until a more balanced gumline is revealed. The laser seals the tissue for minimal bleeding during the procedure. Once your gumline has achieved the right shape, Dr. Marko will clean your mouth, and you will be able to see your results. In most cases, the entire procedure can be done in just one visit.

Following the reshaping procedure, Dr. Markogiannakis will provide you with aftercare instructions. She may prescribe antibiotics if signs of an infection were noticed during the treatment. Your gums may be inflamed for a few weeks, but with a proper oral health routine of daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, your gums will begin to heal naturally. You should continue to schedule annual dental examinations at Smiles of Chevy Chase so Dr. Marko can continue to monitor your oral health.

Since gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, it is not typically covered by most insurance companies. However, Smiles of Chevy Chase accepts many payment methods. Dr. Marko will go over cost estimates during your consultation, as well as information on low-interest medical financing, to help make your treatment more affordable.

Gum contouring at Smiles of Chevy Chase is a great procedure for multiple reasons. It can enhance the overall appearance of a "gummy" smile, and it can also reduce your risk of oral and gum disease. Whether you want to have more confidence in your smile or improve your oral health, gum contouring can be a great choice for you. If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our office in Chevy Chase, MD to book your consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Markogiannakis.