Precision Gingival Contouring in Somerset, KY

Do you find yourself holding back a laugh or covering your mouth in photos because you feel your smile is “too gummy”? If you feel like your teeth look too short or your gum line is uneven, you aren’t alone. Many people feel that their gums overshadow their teeth, preventing them from smiling with total confidence.

At Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we specialize in more than just dental health: we specialize in the artistry of the smile. Using advanced gingival contouring (often called gum reshaping or a “gum lift”), our expert team helps patients in Somerset, KY, achieve a balanced, symmetrical, and radiant look.

Why Your Smile Deserves a Specialist’s Touch

Gingival contouring is a delicate procedure that requires a deep understanding of both aesthetics and biology. As a dedicated periodontic practice, we don’t just “trim” tissue. We meticulously sculpt the gum line to frame your teeth perfectly while ensuring the long-term health of your supporting bone and tissue.

Whether you are looking to correct an uneven gum line or seeking a complete smile transformation, we provide a personalized, comfortable experience designed to help you smile freely again.

What is a “Gummy Smile” and How Can We Help?

When you look in the mirror, do you feel like your teeth appear too small or “boxy”? In many cases, the teeth themselves are actually the perfect size, they are simply hidden behind an overgrowth of gum tissue. This common aesthetic concern is frequently referred to as a “gummy smile.”

A gummy smile can be caused by several factors, including genetics, the way your adult teeth erupted, or even certain medications. Regardless of the cause, the result is often a smile that feels out of balance, where the gums take center stage instead of your teeth.

Our goal isn’t just to change how you look, but to ensure that your new smile is built on a foundation of health. During your consultation in our Somerset or London office, we’ll determine if a gum lift is the right solution for your specific anatomy, ensuring results that look natural and last a lifetime.

The Benefits of Periodontal Plastic Surgery

While many patients initially seek treatment for aesthetic reasons, gingival contouring falls under the specialized umbrella of periodontal plastic surgery. This field focuses on the delicate relationship between your teeth and the soft tissues that support them. At Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we view gum reshaping as a blend of artistic precision and clinical necessity.

Choosing a specialized procedure at our Somerset or London offices offers benefits that go far beyond a “quick fix.”

1. Achieving Perfect Dental Symmetry

A beautiful smile is defined by balance. If your gum line is “jagged” or uneven, it can make even the straightest teeth appear crooked. Periodontal plastic surgery allows us to meticulously adjust the “frame” of your smile. By creating a uniform, symmetrical gum line, we ensure that your teeth are the focal point, resulting in a more harmonious and youthful appearance.

3. Functional Crown Lengthening

Sometimes, periodontal surgery is a vital step in restorative dentistry. If a tooth is broken or decayed below the gum line, there may not be enough visible tooth structure to support a crown or bridge. In these cases, we perform functional crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes the gum and bone levels to expose more of the natural tooth, providing a stable foundation for your general dentist to place a high-quality, long-lasting restoration. Without this essential step, a crown may fail or cause chronic gum irritation.

Advanced Technology: Laser vs. Traditional Contouring

One of the most common questions we receive is, “How exactly do you reshape the gums?” At Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we stay at the forefront of dental technology to ensure your experience is as efficient and comfortable as possible.

While traditional methods are still effective for certain complex cases, we are proud to offer laser gingival contouring as a modern, minimally invasive alternative for our patients in Somerset and London, KY.

The Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery

Using a specialized dental laser allows our periodontists to sculpt the gum tissue with extreme precision, often without the need for a traditional scalpel or sutures.

• Minimized Discomfort: The laser cauterizes as it works, which means significantly less bleeding and swelling compared to traditional methods.
• Faster Recovery Times: Because the laser is so gentle on the surrounding tissue, the healing process is accelerated. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they can return to their normal routines.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: The high-energy light beam of the laser naturally sterilizes the area as it reshapes the gum line, minimizing the risk of post-operative complications.
• No Stitches Required: In many laser contouring cases, the precision is so high that sutures (stitches) are completely unnecessary, making the post-procedure experience much smoother.

Your Journey to a New Smile: What to Expect

Starting any dental procedure can feel a bit overwhelming, but at Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we believe that clarity is the key to comfort. We’ve refined our process to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible, ensuring you feel supported from your first phone call to your final reveal.

Here is how we transform your smile in our Somerset and London offices:

1. Initial Consultation and Digital Examination

Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We don’t just look at your gums; we use advanced digital imaging to examine the relationship between your teeth, bone structure, and soft tissue. We take the time to listen to your goals, whether you want a subtle adjustment or a dramatic “gum lift”, to ensure we’re a perfect match for your needs.

3. Detailed Explanation of the Technique

Before we begin, we’ll walk you through the specific method we’ve chosen for you, whether it’s the pinpoint precision of laser contouring or traditional microsurgical techniques. We believe an informed patient is a confident one, so we’ll show you exactly how we plan to achieve your desired symmetry.

4. Recovery and Aftercare Guidance

One of the best things about modern gingival contouring is the relatively quick recovery. Most patients report only minor swelling or tenderness that resolves within a few days.

• Personalized Care Kit: We provide you with specific instructions on what to eat (sticking to soft foods for a few days) and how to keep the area clean without irritation.
• Ongoing Support: Our team is always just a phone call away in Somerset or London if you have questions during your healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the details of your care is the first step toward a confident smile. Below are the most common questions our patients in Somerset ask about gingival contouring.

How much does gingival contouring cost in Somerset, KY?

The cost of gum reshaping varies depending on the complexity of your case and how many teeth are being treated. Generally, the price can range from $50 to $350 per tooth, while a full “smile makeover” involving all front teeth may range between $1,000 and $3,000. Because we use advanced laser technology for many cases, the value lies in the precision and faster recovery. During your consultation, we will provide a clear, transparent breakdown of the investment for your specific smile.

Is the result of gingival contouring permanent?

Yes. Once gum tissue is surgically removed or reshaped, it does not typically grow back. This makes gingival contouring a permanent solution for a gummy smile. However, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. While the tissue won’t “regrow,” poor gum health or periodontal disease can cause gums to swell or recede, which can change the look of your results over time.

Can I get gingival contouring before getting veneers?

Absolutely! In fact, it is often recommended. Many patients choose to have a “gum lift” performed before receiving veneers or crowns. This ensures that your gum line is symmetrical and that your new veneers have the perfect “frame.” By establishing the ideal gum height first, our specialists ensure your final cosmetic result looks balanced, natural, and beautiful.

Will my dental insurance cover the procedure?

If the procedure is performed for purely cosmetic reasons (to fix a “gummy smile”), insurance typically classifies it as an elective treatment and may not cover it. However, if the contouring is medically necessary, such as functional crown lengthening to fix a decayed tooth or pocket reduction to treat gum disease, your plan may provide partial coverage. Our staff is happy to help you navigate your benefits and explore financing options.

Does the procedure hurt?

At Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we prioritize a painless experience. We use local anesthesia to ensure the area is completely numb. Most patients describe the sensation during the procedure as a slight pressure, and the use of our dental lasers significantly reduces post-operative tenderness compared to traditional methods.

Ready for Your Smile Transformation?

You don’t have to live with a “gummy smile” or an uneven gum line any longer. At Commonwealth Periodontics and Implant Center, we are ready to help you achieve the balanced, healthy, and radiant smile you’ve always wanted.