What Kind of Results Can Be Achieved With a Laser Gum Lift?

When most people consider perfecting their smile, they think about correcting crooked teeth or teeth whitening, but few consider that your gums make a huge difference in how your overall smile looks. And the health of the gums surrounding your teeth is just as important!

If your gums cover too much of your tooth’s surface, or if they are uneven, they can impact your smile even if your teeth are in excellent shape. Gums can make your teeth look short, disproportionate and crooked so many patients choose to have their gums recontoured to improve their smile and appearance.

Gum contouring, also called a laser gum lift, can help with the health of your gums and the overall appearance of your smile. Let’s take a closer look at what a laser gum lift is and how it can benefit your oral health.

What Is A Laser Gum Lift?

A laser gum lift is the gentle process of reshaping the gum line that frames your smile using a laser to safely and precisely remove excess gum tissue. Our dentists use local anesthetics to minimize pain and you will heal quickly after only a few days of mild discomfort. Before recommending a laser gum lift, your Ambiance dentist will carefully examine your gums, teeth and oral health to determine if it is the right option for you.

Long Term Benefits

The immediate benefit of a laser gum lift is the confidence you will enjoy, knowing that your gum line matches the healthy, beautiful appearance of your teeth. However, trimming away excess gum tissues also provides long-term benefits for the health of your teeth and gums. For instance, gingivitis (the precursor to gum disease) forms when oral bacteria settle underneath your gum tissues, where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach them. A gummy smile can give oral bacteria more places to hide. This means that gum contouring can reduce your risk of gum disease by reducing the opportunity for harmful oral bacteria to hide underneath your gums.

Gum contouring can correct many problems with your gum line including:

  • Gummy smile
  • Uneven gum line
  • Illusion of crookedness
  • Teeth appearing too short
  • Teeth looking unevenly sized
  • Premature aging
  • Redness and puffiness of the gums
  • Pain and inflammation caused by rubbing of excess gum tissue
  • The appearance of poor health or poor hygiene

A laser gum lift will not only improve the appearance of your smile, it can make it easier to manage your dental health. As the laser removes gum tissue, it also kills bacteria and seals the wound during the process. Laser treatment also reduces your chance of infection, results in quicker healing time and offers a smoother recovery.

What To Expect

A laser gum lift is usually completed by a cosmetic dentist. It’s an in-office procedure that’s typically done in one visit to our dental clinic in downtown Calgary.

You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the gum area and the length of the procedure will vary depending on the amount of contouring and resculpting that’s being done. Generally, gum contouring takes about 1 to 2 hours.

A laser gum lift can correct a multitude of gum issues, while providing you with a confident smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your gums, a laser gum lift may be right for you.

Make an appointment with your Ambiance dentist to discuss a laser gum lift and if it may be the right solution for you. Whether it’s to improve the look of your smile or the health of your gums, we strive to help you get the results that will keep you smiling for years to come!