Discover the Truth Behind These 4 All-Too-Common Gum Recontouring Myths

Lately, you’ve been considering having gum recontouring done to remove unneeded gum tissue in order to improve your smile. However, you’re not entirely sure whether the procedure is truly right for you. While you’re considering the pros and cons of the treatment, it’s important to avoid letting false information affect your decision-making. Below are 4 gum recontouring myths you may have heard – and why you shouldn’t believe them.

Myth 1: Gum Recontouring is a Painful Process

For many patients, the reason they’re reluctant to have gum recontouring done is the same reason why they avoid a variety of other periodontal procedures: they’re worried about pain. However, thanks to advancements in modern periodontics, gum recontouring typically causes very little discomfort.

Not only will local anesthetic be used to keep the gums numb, but many periodontists use soft-tissue lasers to perform the treatment. Soft-tissue lasers are quite gentle compared to traditional metal instruments, and they usually allow for faster recovery times.

Myth 2: Gum Recontouring Can Have Adverse Effects on the Teeth

Your gums play an important role in protecting the roots of your teeth from harmful bacteria. As such, some patients are nervous about the impact that the removal of gum tissue might have on their oral health. But there’s no need to worry as long as you’ve chosen a reliable, well-trained periodontist to perform the gum recontouring treatment; they will make sure that only the necessary amount of tissue is removed to avoid causing unnecessary problems in the long run.

Myth 3: Gum Recontouring is Only for Treating Excessive Gum Tissue

You probably already know that gum recontouring is often recommended for people who have too much gum tissue, but that’s not the only kind of issue it can help with. It can also be a good option if your gumline is uneven, making certain teeth look smaller than others. Feel free to talk to your periodontist to see if gum recontouring could be a viable choice for addressing your unique cosmetic concerns.

Myth 4: Gum Recontouring is Pointless Because the Gums Will Just Grow Back

Many patients choose not to pursue gum recontouring because they believe that the results won’t last. The truth is that your mouth is unlikely to regrow the gum tissue that was lost. That means you won’t have to worry about developing a gummy smile again in the future; you’ll be able to enjoy your newly rebalanced grin for the rest of your life.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Ross regularly attends annual meetings for the Southern Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology. He takes more than 50 hours of continuing education each year. He often recommends gum recontouring as a way to correct gummy smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ross at Ross Periodontics in Mayfield Heights, visit his website or call (440) 461-6008.