Gum And Tooth Recontouring In Sterling, VA
Gum and Tooth Recontouring in Sterling, VA
If you are interested in improving your smile with gum or tooth contouring in Sterling, VA, contact PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at 703-421-8988.
What is tooth and gum tissue contouring?
Gum tissue contouring is often referred to as gum reshaping or gum recontouring. It is a procedure that corrects gum recession. The gum line is reshaped to provide a more aesthetically pleasing smile by removing tissue that has receded or overexposed tooth or root surfaces. Gum recession can be caused by gum disease, tooth grinding, or gum trauma, but sometimes it is simply genetic or caused by unhealthy habits.
It is typically a cosmetic procedure and not always medically necessary. However, there are instances where gum contouring is done when a patient has suffered periodontal disease and may require contouring.
Tooth contouring is done to create a more symmetrical-looking smile with adjacent teeth. In addition, we can reshape any teeth with distracting features such as that tiny chip in your front tooth, an extra-pointy canine, or a slight mismatch in tooth size.
No matter what you want to change to create your ideal, more beautiful smile, our PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team is here to make those dreams a reality.
Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that inflame gum tissue, forming pockets to allow for infection. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. For some, periodontal therapy consists of restructuring the gums to help save the patient’s natural teeth.
Often, multiple procedures are required to restore a patient’s dental health when they have dealt with periodontal disease. For example, treating the deep periodontal pockets by reshaping them helps prevent bacterial growth in the gums.
If you notice you have bleeding gums, shifting teeth, or teeth that feel loose, mouth sores, or halitosis (bad breath), you may have gum disease, and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Contact our dental office in Sterling, VA, at 703-421-8988 to schedule an appointment.
How can gum and tooth contouring improve oral health?
Sometimes dentists can do gum contouring in cases where gum disease is present. Deep pockets appear when the gum has receded and created space for bacteria to form. Gum contouring helps expose healthy gum tissue by removing excess pockets that harbor harmful bacteria.
The main goal of contour treatments is to improve oral health by preventing gum disease and recession.
For tooth contouring, treatments usually begin with gum or tissue recontouring, and this is especially true for teeth that have been shortened or lengthened by the gum recession. Not only can contouring help prevent gum disease from occurring, but recontouring can also help reduce the chances of gum disease returning.
What to Expect: Gum Surgery and Recovery
Gum contouring is a procedure done by a gum specialist or a periodontist in a dentist’s office. The gum tissue is reshaped with minimal tissue removed and is usually completed by numbing areas where the surgery will be performed. Before the dentist begins, they will mark the new gum line. This way, the patient can see exactly how the dentist will reshape the gum line.
The Surgery: Gum Recontouring
A gum specialist or periodontist numbs the gum with local anesthesia and makes small incisions to begin recontouring. The specialist can either use a scalpel or laser to remove excess gum tissue and then smooth the gum line to a more aesthetically pleasing line. Finally, the specialist closes the incisions with sutures, and a special dressing is applied to aid in healing.
Recovery
The gums must be kept dry for 24 hours to ensure proper healing.
After gum recontouring, your gums will be swollen, and you may experience pain for a few days. You can ice the area to help reduce the swelling and take over-the-counter pain medications as needed. Applying a periodontist-provided antibiotic ointment to the site will also help with healing.
The dentist will give you specific instructions for gum recontouring aftercare. In addition, they will advise you to avoid smoking, irritants, or strenuous activity that can cause trauma. After gum recontouring, brush and floss regularly to prevent gum recession from returning.
Contact PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Sterling, VA today! Cosmetic Dentistry
PK Dentistry in Sterling, VA can restore your smile from periodontitis, lost teeth, bone loss, or other cosmetic problems. We can help you get a healthy, completely natural-looking smile. For more information about your treatment options or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 703-421-8988 today!
