Gum Contouring
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is any dental procedure that reshapes or restores the gumline following gum recession. When not cared for properly, the gums can start to wear down gradually and pull back, exposing more of the tooth's surface and roots. This can make your teeth sensitive, more vulnerable to decay, and affect the appearance of your smile.
Once it has receded, gum tissue does not grow back on its own, so you may require the help of a dentist.
Restore Your Gumline WITH OUR DENTIST IN NEWPORT, TN
Early intervention is the best way to go about treating a receding gumline, so we recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist as soon as you can. From teeth whitening to dental implants, Newport Family Dental Care, PLLC has everything you'll need to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
If you have a receding gumline and are curious about what you can do to restore it and protect your teeth from excessive damage, fill out our contact form or request an appointment with our Newport, TN, office:
(423) 465-3006
5-Star Reviews From Satisfied Patients
Kim Hickman
2022
Great staff... painless cleaning... highly recommended!
View on GoogleDanny Julian
2021
Great friendly and knowledgeable staff..kudos
View on GoogleWhat Causes Gum Recession?
Many things may lead to gum recession and the need for restorative dentistry, like gum contouring. Some common causes of gum recession include:
Gum Disease
A damaging bacterial infection that can cause loss of tissue attachment.
Tooth Brushing Habits
Brushing too hard, using the wrong toothbrush, and using the wrong technique can contribute to recession and damage to the root surface.
Genetics
Some people are more likely to develop gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
Dental Hygiene
Neglecting to brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly can lead to plaque and tartar buildup.
Pressure on Teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth can make the teeth shift and lead to gum recession.
Hormonal Shifts
Any hormonal changes can make the gums more tender and increase the risk of gum recession.
Bite Misalignment
If the teeth are not coming together evenly, you may be putting more pressure on those areas.
Body Jewelry
Any tongue or lip piercings can irritate the gums and break down the tissue in that area over time.
Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products can make your gums more prone to disease, which can cause gum recession.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Root Scaling and Planing
For mild cases of gum disease, root scaling and planing may be the best solution to treat your gum recession. This dentistry procedure involves using advanced lasers to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and root surfaces below the gumline. The exposed root is then smoothed to allow the gum to reattach to the tooth surface and prevent bacteria from growing. Antibiotics may also be used.
Pocket Depth Reduction
During more advanced stages of gum recession, pockets between the tooth and gum form, collecting disease-causing bacteria that can wear down the supporting tissue and bone. Pocket depth reduction can remove harmful bacteria from the pockets and allow the gum to reattach to healthy tooth surfaces.
Gum Graft
Our practice can perform a soft tissue graft to transfer healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth or other healthy gum tissue to the site of the receding gums to effectively cover the exposed tooth root.
Pinhole® Surgical Technique
Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation® can be performed in a single appointment to our dental office in Newport, TN. This procedure restores the gumline without the need for scalpels or sutures. The technique uses specially designed instruments to create a small hole in the gum, loosen the gum tissue, and guide it over the receded part of the tooth. The gums are then stabilized with small collagen strips.
"The outcome was amazing." More 5-Star Reviews
David Long
2022
Dr Sutton and his team did an awesome job at a difficult task for my periodontal surgery and follow up procedures. The outcome was amazing and I couldn't be more pleased.
View on GoogleMax Haney
2021
Everyone was quick to help and get me in the right direction and create a plan to fix my teeth.Smile or no smile.getting some much needed help!
View on GoogleThe Dangers of Gum Recession
When left untreated, gum recession can cause a variety of dental concerns, including:
- Bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
These serious dental concerns can be prevented when you care for your teeth on your own and with the help of a dentist. Our Newport, TN, practice can help prevent tooth loss and the need for expensive dental implants and restorations.
"A gum lift creates a beautiful smile."
Some patients struggle with gum recession, which causes the tooth roots to become exposed. This has a negative cosmetic effect and makes the teeth more vulnerable to decay. At Newport Family Dental Care in Newport, TN, our dentists perform gum lifts to reverse the effects of gum recession.
Gum Contouring as a Cosmetic Procedure
Though gum contouring has many medical benefits in terms of preserving your oral health, it can also be used in cosmetic dentistry. Patients who have a "gummy smile," or a smile that exposes excess gum tissue below the upper lip, can feel self-conscious. Gum contouring can be used as a cosmetic dentistry procedure to remove and reshape this excess gum tissue to expose more of the teeth and even out your smile. Once your gum tissue has healed, you can schedule a teeth whitening treatment to improve your smile even more!
