Recovery After Gum Contouring: Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

Have you heard of gum contouring treatment? It may sound a little intimidating! Here at Dental Concepts, we’re here to shed some light on this treatment, what it is and what it’s used for. We’ll also give you some great healing tips to ensure you have a smooth recovery and can show off that new smile right away!

Gum contouring is adjusting the gumline to enhance a smile aesthetically. This entirely safe procedure often addresses conditions like a gummy smile, uneven gumlines or after treatment for gum disease.

Reducing excess gum to enhance a gummy smile will include full local anaesthetic. Once you’re entirely numb the dentist will use a laser, or electrocautery tool to remove the excess gum.

Transplanting gum will involve taking tissue from another part of your mouth (often the palate) and fusing it with your existing gum to aid receding gums due to gum disease or trauma. This process will be done under full local anaesthetic.

The benefits of gum contouring
1. Symmetry
Gum contouring can help you achieve a more symmetrical smile without extensive dental work.

2. Gummy smile
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a gummy smile, but many people feel insecure about having one, as a gummy smile can shorten the appearance of the teeth. Gum contouring can reduce the appearance of a gummy smile without the need for Botox.

3. A solution for extensive gum recession
While gum disease is permanent and so are the effects of gum disease, some things can be done to restore your smile after gum disease. Gum contouring can help! Transplanting gum can prevent further recession and tooth roots being visible when you smile.

Healing after gum contouring
In this section of the blog, we’re going to cover what you can expect immediately after treatment, so healing comes as no surprise when you have this treatment!

1. The first 24-48 hours
At this stage, you may experience minor discomfort and soreness. This is very common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Slight bleeding is common however if it is persistent, you should speak to your dentist.

Your diet should remain soft and non-spicy, this will ensure you do not disrupt the healing site.

2. Day 3-7
You will start to notice swelling and tenderness decrease at this stage, that being said, you still may feel as if your gums are sensitive to touch.

During this timeframe, you’ll start to see your gumline really take shape, but it may still look a little raw, don’t worry this will settle!

Gentle brushing and rinsing with a dentist-recommended antimicrobial mouthwash will help prevent infection. But, remember, gentle brushing is essential!

Still stick to your soft and bland diet, sorry! It’ll be over soon!

3. Week 2-3
Gums typically heal significantly, and discomfort should subside entirely. You’ll also notice your gums will begin to look ‘normal’ with their new and improved shaping.

While temporary sensitivity to cold or hot foods might linger it should improve over time and will not be a permanent effect of gum contouring.

Healing Process After Gum Contouring
The healing process after gum contouring varies depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it was done using a scalpel or laser. Here's a general timeline and what you can expect:

4. Full healing (4-8 Weeks)
Complete healing may take up to 8 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. In this time the new gumline becomes fully stable and natural-looking.

Tips for a speedy recover
1. Follow all post-operative instructions from your dentist
2. Use any / all prescribed medications or recommended dental hygiene products by your dentist.
3. Focus on having a soft diet that avoids spicy or hot foods.
4. Avoid crunchy foods
5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
6. Stay hydrated
7. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol during your healing time
8. Apply a cold compress
9. Make sure you visit all of your booked follow-up appointments

Gum contouring treatment can be life-changing for the reasons we’ve outlined above. It’s a great way that someone can improve their smile without opting for cosmetic dentistry such as veneers to improve their smile. When done by a dentist gum contouring treatment is completely safe and effective.

If you’d like to discuss gum contouring treatment with an expert, why not get in touch with the team at Dental Concepts? As general and cosmetic dentistry specialists we’re the best option! Give our friendly team a call on 01264 313999.