Gum contouring

An ideal solution for gummy smiles

Pain free dentistry on Southampton High Street

Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth, improving the appearance of a “gummy smile” or uneven gum lines.

Detailed close-up of a black and white dental chair

Gum contouring is a common treatment for those with a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum tissue covers the teeth, making them appear shorter and more square. This condition is often genetic or developmental, though it can also be influenced by certain medications or health conditions.

Gum contouring is a straightforward and generally painless option to solve this issue. Our methods are gentle, and healing is typically quick, restoring a balanced, beautiful smile in a matter of weeks.

Front full image of teeth before gum contouring treatment

Front full image of teeth after gum contouring treatment

What does gum contouring involve?

Firstly, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to make the procedure painless.

Once you are numb we use gentle electro surgery or laser tissue removal to make the adjustments. These modern techniques ensure a precise and gentle approach, with minimal discomfort. In some cases, small amounts of bone (osteoplasty) may need to be carefully removed, as the bone provides the framework for the gums. This is more common when the bone is thick or bulky.

Healing is typically quick, while may initially notice some mild discomfort, redness or discolouration most patients recover in a few short weeks. If veneers or crowns are part of your treatment plan, it’s recommended to wait six weeks after gum contouring or up to three months if bone adjustments are made.

Image of close up smile before gum contouring treatment

Image of close up smile after gum contouring treatment

Gum Grafting & Rebuilding

The opposite problem to a ‘gummy smile’ is where you gums have receded away from your teeth, this is most commonly linked to problems with gum disease however it can also occur when you’ve experienced trauma or even persistent over brushing.

If you experience gum recession, the exposed root surface can cause aesthetic concerns, sensitivity, and increase the risk of root decay. To address this, we may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves transplanting a thin strip of gum tissue from another area of the mouth to rebuild and cover the receded area.

While we handle cosmetic gum contouring in-house, for more complex gum grafting or rebuilding, we typically support our patients with referrals to specialists to ensure optimal care and results.

Image and supporting graphic representation of gum recession

Your questions answered

Is gum contouring painful?

No, the procedure is relatively painless. It’s performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the process. Healing afterward is typically smooth, especially with the use of lasers or electro surgery, which promote quicker recovery.

How long does it take to heal after gum contouring?

Recovery from gum contouring usually takes a few weeks. If only soft tissue is involved, healing is quick, but if bone is removed (osteoplasty), full healing may take up to three months. Most patients can return to their normal routine within a few days.

What is the difference between gum contouring and gum grafting?

Gum contouring removes excess tissue, while gum grafting is used to rebuild gums that have receded. If your gums have receded, exposing the tooth root, we may refer you to a specialist for grafting to protect your teeth and improve aesthetics.

Can gum contouring be combined with other dental procedures?

Yes, gum contouring is often done in preparation for cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. It’s important to wait around six weeks for healing if only gum tissue is involved, or up to three months if bone adjustments are made.

Roughly how much does gum contouring cost?

The cost of gum contouring typically starts at around £126 per area or tooth. However, cost depends on the complexity of the case and how many areas need treatment.