The Gum Reshaping Procedure
Gum reshaping is a relatively simple process with almost instantaneous results. Before your gum contouring procedure, Dr. Wang will go over every step of the treatment to ensure we find a technique that suits your situation. Once the tissue is removed it does not grow back. To ensure this result Dr. Wang will (when indicated) remove a tiny bit of the bone that surrounds the neck of the tooth.
Depending on your needs, our cosmetic gum reshaping specialist may use scalpels, lasers, or radiosurgery to achieve balanced, harmonious, and symmetrical results. We apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and ensure a pain-free procedure. We also provide you with recommendations for your recovery process.
For many patients, gum reshaping is just one part of their complete smile makeover. At 172 NYC Dental, we offer gum contouring in conjunction with many other cosmetic dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers or crowns, under one roof. Our team provides a coordinated approach to achieve your dream smile, with specialists handling each procedure.
Gingival Grafting
In cosmetic dentistry, our team has developed ratios as to the length and width of individual teeth and their relationship to one another. We call this the golden ratio (1.6:1) between the front centrals and the smaller laterals at their sides. We look at the midline of your mouth, which is an imaginary line between the two front teeth, separating the left from right sides of your mouth. We want to see perfect symmetry left to right almost a mirror image. We also look at the high and low smiles lines of your teeth. The low smile line is a line drawn through the incisal (tips) edges of your teeth. The high smile line is determined by the position of the gingiva (gum). We have discussed the treatment of too much gum (tissue). On occasion, the gum is too high up; making the tooth look too long. This throws off our cosmetic ratios. Dr. Wang has developed a very successful technique called gingival grafting. He uses a donor site in the patient’s mouth (usually from the palate) to add tissue where there is a deficiency.
The gingival tissue architecture greatly influences the final cosmetic result of our patient’s smile.
How Much Does Gum Reshaping Cost?
Depending on your needs, the total cost of gum reshaping varies. At 172 NYC Dental, we strive to make our cosmetic dental treatments as affordable as possible. However, for most patients, this is an elective procedure, so your dental insurance may not cover the cost of treatment. If there is pathology present such as gingivitis or periodontitis many insurance companies will then cover (in part) gingival surgery procedures.
We do have a variety of finance options available if you cannot cover the cost of gum reshaping out of pocket. We accept health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). We also offer in-office payment plans and interest-free financing.
Learn More About Cosmetic Gum Reshaping at 172 NYC Dental
If the shape or size of your gums makes you feel self-conscious, you can count on the multidisciplinary team at 172 NYC Dental for high-quality gum shaping. Schedule your free consultation for gum contouring today with our NYC office.
