Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Cosmetic gum surgery, often called gum contouring, reshapes the gumline by removing or sculpting excess gum tissue. It is used to reduce a gummy smile, even out an uneven gumline and make teeth look better proportioned. It can be done with a scalpel or a dental laser, and sometimes a small amount of bone is also reshaped.
- Procedure time
- Often 1–2 hours
- Recovery
- Around 1 week to heal
- Longevity
- Usually permanent
Who it suits.
- A gummy smile caused by extra gum tissue
- An uneven or irregular gumline
- Teeth that look short because gum covers part of them
- Gum overgrowth after braces
What it brings.
Balanced smile
Showing less gum and more tooth can make a smile look more even.
Better proportions
Teeth that looked short can appear a more natural length.
Quick recovery
Most people are back to normal routines within a day or two.
Usually long-lasting
Once healed, the new gumline generally stays in place.
Step by step.
- 01
Smile assessment
Your dentist looks at your gums, teeth, lip position and bone to confirm the cause of the gummy smile and whether contouring will help.
- 02
Marking the gumline
The new gumline is planned and marked, and the area is numbed with local anesthetic.
- 03
Reshaping
Excess tissue is removed with a laser or scalpel, and bone is gently reshaped if needed; the procedure often takes one to two hours.
- 04
Healing and review
Stitches are placed if required, and a follow-up visit checks that the gums are healing well.
Looking after it.
- Eat soft, cool foods for about a week and avoid spicy, crunchy or seeded foods
- Brush gently around the treated area and follow any rinse instructions
- Take pain relief or other medicines as your dentist advises
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days to limit swelling or bleeding
Good to know.
Does gum contouring hurt?
The gums are numbed, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness and swelling afterwards is normal and is usually managed with ordinary pain relief.
How long is recovery?
Many people return to work or school within one or two days. The gums usually heal within about a week, although full settling can take a little longer, especially if bone was reshaped.
Will the gums grow back?
Results are usually permanent. In a small number of cases some tissue can return, and a gummy smile caused by the lip or jaw position may need a different treatment instead.
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In their own words.
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“I was nervous at first, but the team made me feel comfortable and the treatment was painless. I'm thrilled with the results and the savings. I highly recommend it!”
“Great dental care at an affordable price. The team was friendly and professional, and I'm really happy with the results. Highly recommend the clinic!”