Do you have a "gummy" smile? Do your gums cover your teeth unevenly? Do you feel like your teeth are too small or your gums cover too much of your teeth? Are your gums receding? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may not have realized there is a treatment option that can correct all of these problems. Yes, that’s right - the same procedure can correct both receding gums and too much gum tissue. It’s called gum reshaping or gum contouring, and it can change where your gums sit on your teeth and transform your entire smile. What Is Gum Reshaping? Gum reshaping and contouring is an in-office medical procedure that either reduces or reshapes the gum line either for medical or aesthetic reasons. Gum reshaping is done with lasers that cut away the overage of gum tissue that sits on the teeth, creating a more streamlined gum line. Thanks to the nature of the laser, it can actually cut the gums in such a way that they sit evenly on your teeth and frame them perfectly. The laser then seals the gums, stopping them from bleeding and, in the case of patients using the treatment for periodontitis, seal any newly cleaned gum pockets and prevent bacteria from reentering them. After the Procedure Gum recontouring sounds painful, and before lasers, it used to be. But today's procedures are more comfortable than ever, thanks to the laser itself. Laser cutting allows for less bleeding, as does sealing off the wound with the laser. This also causes less inflammation, which in turn enables a faster healing time and an easier time practicing excellent oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing. While it may not seem like a good idea to floss newly recontoured gums, it is imperative to take good care of the teeth and gums during the recovery period to prevent infection. Pain following the procedure is generally well tolerated and can usually be managed by over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, which is also an anti-inflammatory. We also recommend soft foods for the first week following your gum-contouring procedure. To speak to Dr. George about gum recontouring or any other cosmetic dental procedure, please call 724-220-2347.