Overview
You may be affected by the appearance of a "gummy smile" if too much of your tooth enamel is covered by extra gum tissue. At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we are pleased to offer gum contouring services to enhance your smile by eliminating the extra soft tissue and exposing more of your tooth structure. Not only can gum contouring create a more attractive gumline and wider smile, but it could also improve your oral health by eliminating places where bacteria often hide. Having a healthier gumline can also decrease your risk of developing gum disease and other oral concerns. If you are bothered by the look created by an abundance of gum tissue in the smile zone, a consultation with talented board-certified oral surgeons Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, or Luis Delgado may be a great first step. Contact our office in Albany, NY to find out more about gum contouring.
Best Candidates
Gum contouring can give you a more proportionate smile while also helping improve your oral health. You could be a good candidate for gum sculpting if you would like to enhance the look of your smile by correcting a “gummy” appearance or a gumline that unevenly frames your teeth. When the gums appear low and cover too much of your upper teeth, gum contouring can help create an even, higher gumline that reveals a wider surface area of your enamel.
What to Expect
Gum sculpting is performed in our office with a mild local anesthetic. We may offer sedation options if you have anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist. Once you are comfortable, our surgical team will gently eliminate excess gum tissue with an advanced technique to create a higher, more aesthetically appealing gumline. Your gums will also be sculpted and contoured to create an aesthetic appearance that evenly frames your teeth. We will then rinse your teeth and provide directions on how to care for your smile as your gum tissues heal. Typically, gum contouring can be completed in a single appointment at our state-of-the-art surgical center.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Everyone at the office was friendly, kind and instantly made me feel safe/not worried about the procedure. I was able to make an appointment with ease in a very timely fashion. My issue was treated in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend this practice! Every part of my experience was wonderful
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
242
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
While the recovery process is generally minimal, you may experience some minor redness and tenderness for a few days following your gum contouring procedure. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and eating a diet of soft foods until your mouth heals can help minimize any discomfort. A good home oral care routine of daily brushing and flossing as recommended by our team can help ensure your gum tissues heal and remain healthy. To keep your smile in great shape over time, we suggest that you keep up with routine dental checkups and cleanings with your general dentist.
Insurance Coverage
Since gum contouring is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, it may not be covered by most insurance companies. However, our team at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons takes a range of payment methods and can provide information on low-cost medical financing to help make your treatment easier to afford.
Gum Contouring
Cosmetic gum sculpting at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons may be an excellent treatment option in many situations as it can enhance the overall appearance of a "gummy" smile and serve to improve your oral health by minimizing the risk of periodontal infections. Whether you are seeking to attain a more even, balanced smile or have better oral health, gum contouring and reshaping might be the right treatment option for you. Find out if you are a candidate for gum contouring by scheduling your visit to one of our Albany, NY oral surgery centers.