Why Is Gum Lifting an Important Cosmetic Dental Procedure?

Gum lifting can also be referred to as gum contouring, crown lengthening or gingivectomy. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that functions in raising and sculpting the gum line. The process entails removal of some of the gum tissues, correcting asymmetrical gum lines and reshaping the underlying bone structure. Depending on the needs of a patient, gum lifting can be done for cosmetic or health reasons.
Benefits of Gum Lifting
1. Treatments for Gum Abnormalities
Gum abnormalities like extreme gummy smiles can affect your visual appeal. As a result, you will lack self-confidence at work and within your social circles. The objective of the surgery in this instance is to provide you with an aesthetically charming smile. It will get rid of the excess tissues that are causing the gums to bulge. This is in addition to correcting the symmetry between the teeth and gums.
2. Treatment for Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases such as gingivitis can weaken your teeth. This in turn can cause some of your teeth to fall off. The disease encourages accumulation of the periodontitis bacteria inside the mouth, which cause halitosis (i.e. bad breath), erosion of the gums and bones.
Cosmetic dentists will recommend gum contouring because it reframes the supporting teeth structure. This is important in strengthening the teeth. Removal of unhealthy tissues will also slow down growth of the bacteria.
3. Treatment for Damaged Teeth
Advanced tooth decay and cavity can extend deep into the gums. This can make conventional treatments like filling less effective. Crown lengthening enables the cosmetic dentist to get to the areas of the tooth that have been affected by decay or cavity, but is hidden under the gum. Consequently, the dentist will be able to effectively apply treatments like root canal, which is important in preventing further damage to your teeth.
What Happens Before the Gum Lifting Procedure?
Before gum lifting can be done, the dentist will take X-rays of your mouth and teeth. This is to determine the extent of damage to the gums and teeth. Hinging on the severity of a dental disorder, the dentist may also recommend teeth cleaning. This is to get rid of microbes in the mouth that may compromise the results of the treatment.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The procedure is done on out-patient basis. Depending on the depth of the surgery, the process can take roughly 30 minute to complete. It’s performed while the patient is sedated. Consequently, the entire process is painless.
Gum reshaping will improve your aesthetic appeal and help to prevent potential dental disorders that may affect your oral health.