The process of reshaping the gum (gingival) tissue around the teeth is called gum sculpting, gum contouring or gingival contouring. It involves using a tissue laser to remove and sculpt uneven and/or excessive gum tissue. It is not a very traumatic or invasive procedure and often results in healthy, natural looking gums. Patients often report having “a young looking smile”.

Gum sculpting is not only done for cosmetic reasons, but can be done as one component in the management of poor dental hygiene. It will reduce or eliminate areas around the gums, where food can be trapped and tartar can build up. Dentists call these debris trapping areas around the gums, gum pockets.

Regardless of the role gum contouring can play in a dental hygiene management plan, many patients request gum contouring only because they want to get rid of a gummy or uneven smile. Gum contouring will remove the excess gum tissue from around the teeth and expose all the parts of the tooth that should be seen. In other words, after the gum contouring procedure, previously gum covered teeth will no longer appear small, crooked and out of proportion.

Your general dentist, cosmetic dentist, periodontist (gum dentist) or orthodontist (braces dentist) may be the healthcare professional performing the gum sculpting procedure. It is a minor in-office procedure, usually requiring only one in-office visit and lasting about one hour. No injections are necessary and only a topical (rubbed on) anaesthetic (numbing gel) is used. The procedure often times only causes very little discomfort and no bleeding. No scalpel, knife or cutting blade is used. The soft tissue laser is the only tool used. This means, there will be no cumbersome stitches placed in the mouth, after the procedure is completed. Of note, the intricate details of the gum sculpting and the associated treatment plans will be discussed beforehand by the dental professional. It usually depends on the initial health of the gums and the goals that the dentist are trying to achieve.

The advances in dental laser technology allow the dentist to discuss and effortlessly treat gummy smiles, as well as gum asymmetry, during regular in-office visits. It is necessary to remember though that the gum sculpting procedure may not always be necessary or even practical. This is true when there are health and/or situational restrains.

Nevertheless, gum shaping is generally accepted as a procedure that is essentially harmless and has very few complications. There may be some minor swelling and a little discomfort after gum sculpting, but these are not expected to last more than a few days. Typically, the healing of the gums takes only one day and pain relief, if necessary, is achieved by prescription medication suggested by the oral healthcare professional. It is usual for patients, to continue normal daily activities after a gingival recontouring procedure, without any concerns.

It cannot be overlooked that gum shaping has significant mental and social benefits. It can improve your looks and self-confidence, and therefore, encourages you to be more socially active and more willing to smile. Some patients say they even feel happier. Others say that their colleagues would comment that they seem friendlier and more approachable.

All things considered, gum sculpting may be something you want to have done. If it is, please remember that in spite of the ease with which the contouring procedure is done, it is still considered a surgery and all risks must be considered. It is best to discuss everything in depth with your dental provider before anything is done.

Keep your smile alive. Keep your smile beautiful.

• This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and may not be treated as a substitute for professional medical/dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or dental professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical/dental condition. Never disregard professional medical/dental advice or delay in seeking it because of a purely informational publication. If you have questions, please send email to dr_andreclarke@hotmail.com.