Will Gums Grow Back After Gum Contouring Surgery?

If you’re like most people, you rarely – if ever – think about your gums. For men and women with a gummy smile, however, everyday life can be discouraging and even embarrassing. What’s worse, modern times – with daily Zoom meetings and FaceTime calls – mean our smiles are on display more than ever before. To help men and women achieve a more natural-looking and attractive appearance, board-certified doctor of dental medicine Dr. Tom Lawler and the award-winning team at Tom Lawler, DMD are proud to offer cutting-edge gum contouring surgery in Henderson, NV. Read on for a closer look at what to expect during and after gum contouring surgery, including how long your stunning new smile may last.

I hate my gummy smile

Having excessive gum tissue can leave a person feeling less than confident about their smile. Oftentimes, patients believe it’s the size of their teeth that is giving them a gummy look, when – in reality – their gums are simply concealing a significant portion of the tooth. To correct this issue and give men and women a higher, more even, and more natural-looking gumline, Dr. Lawler can perform laser gum contouring right in our office in a single appointment.

How does laser gum contouring work?

Dr. Lawler performs gum contouring surgery in Henderson using the revolutionary BIOLASE® Epic™ laser. To maximize patients’ comfort during laser gum contouring, a local anesthetic is used. Additionally, gentle sedation can be given to ease any fear or anxiety you may have about the procedure. Using extreme precision and an artistic eye, Dr. Lawler then trims away excess gum tissue with the laser handpiece to create a more even and attractive gumline. After laser gum contouring, patients can expect mild to moderate swelling or discomfort. These gum contouring side effects typically last about 1 – 3 weeks and can be largely relieved with over-the-counter medications.

What are the benefits of laser gum contouring?

Gum contouring surgery has a long list of potential benefits, both for a patient’s cosmetic appearance and overall oral health. Concerns that can be improved or even reversed with gum contouring surgery include:

• Gummy smile
• Uneven gumline
• Receding gums
• Gum disease
• Periodontitis
• Plaque buildup
• Bad breath
• Oral infection
• Mouth sore

Is laser gum surgery permanent?

Patients considering laser gum contouring will be excited to learn that in the vast majority of cases, the outcome of laser gum surgery is considered long-term. While subtle changes to your smile may occur naturally over time, the gum tissue that was trimmed away during laser gum contouring will not grow back. To prevent future recession of your gums and to keep your smile healthy and strong over time, be sure to follow these important laser gum surgery aftercare instructions:

• Brush and floss twice daily
• Use an over-the-counter mouthwash or medicated rinse as directed
• Schedule regular dental exams and in-office cleanings
• Do not smoke

By maintaining proper dental hygiene and being proactive about your overall oral health, the results of laser gum contouring surgery can last for years to come.

Restore your oral health and reveal a stunning smile with gum contouring surgery in Henderson, NV

Whether you have developed periodontal disease due to bacteria beneath the gums or you’re simply embarrassed by your gummy smile, you may be a candidate for laser gum treatment in Henderson, NV. To learn more about the natural-looking and long-lasting results that may be possible for you, call Tom Lawler, DMD to schedule your private consultation for laser gum surgery with board-certified doctor of dental medicine Dr. Tom Lawler today.