There are options available when you are not satisfied with how your gums and smile look. Laser gum surgery or gum contouring can help reshape your gum line, which may have changed over time due to smoking, medication, or diet. When the gum line is too high, it can give you a “toothy” smile, and when it sits too low, you may have a “gummy” smile.
Laser gum surgery at The San Diego Art of Dentistry aims to improve your smile and oral health. Call our cosmetic dentists today to learn more about the procedure and how it can help you meet your aesthetic goals.
Laser gum surgery, also known as gingival reshaping, is a cosmetic and medical procedure performed at our San Diego office that sculpts your gum line to improve the appearance of your smile or address oral health concerns. The treatment is commonly used to correct a gummy smile, uneven gum lines, or excess gum tissue that may contribute to periodontal disease.
The surgery uses laser technology to precisely remove tissue without the use of a scalpel. Unlike traditional gum surgery, the laser minimizes bleeding, reduces discomfort, and speeds healing. The laser’s greater precision reduces the risk of excessive gum removal, making it the preferred choice for both aesthetic and functional correction.
Laser gum surgery, as offered by our San Diego team, has several advantages over traditional gum contouring techniques. It is minimally invasive, using laser technology to precisely remove tissue with little bleeding. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it works, so there is less pain and swelling, and little to no need for sutures. This also leads to faster healing and shorter recovery times compared to a traditional procedure.
From an aesthetic perspective, the laser creates a more balanced gum-to-tooth ratio, improving the appearance of your smile. There are also medical benefits, as removing excess tissue helps reduce bacterial buildup, lowering your risk of periodontal disease and contributing to better oral health.
During your consultation at our San Diego office, we will evaluate your gums to determine if laser gum surgery is a suitable option for you. We assess the amount of gum tissue, your overall oral health, and any underlying medical conditions that could affect healing. For example, uncontrolled heart disease or Type 2 diabetes may slow recovery or increase your risk of infection.
During your appointment, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area to ensure you have a comfortable reshaping experience. Then, a soft tissue dental laser will be used to scale the gums. This handheld device emits a concentrated beam of energy that vaporizes excess gum tissue without cutting.
The high-energy laser allows us to shape the gum with millimeter-level accuracy, killing bacteria along the gum area, reducing the risk of infection, and promoting faster healing. Because the tissue is sealed instantly, sutures are typically not required.
After the procedure, most people experience minimal discomfort. You may notice some mild soreness or swelling that typically subsides within a few days. It is important to avoid spicy, crunchy, or extremely hot foods that can irritate the gum line during the first several days of recovery.
You should brush and floss gently to prevent irritation to the area and use a saltwater rinse or prescribed mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene. Because smoking and alcohol consumption can slow healing, we recommend you avoid doing so for at least three weeks before and after your procedure. Most San Diego patients return to their normal activities within one day of their laser gum surgery and notice full healing in about two weeks.
Laser gum surgery can not only improve your smile but also your oral health by reducing the potential for periodontal disease. The procedure can also correct aesthetic concerns that impact your smile.
If you are considering laser gum surgery, contact The San Diego Art of Dentistry for a consultation to discover how this precise and simple procedure can boost your confidence and brighten your smile.