BETHESDA DENTAL IMPLANT CENTER - BETHESDA, MD

At Bethesda Dental Implant Center, we offer gummy smile treatment to help patients achieve a more balanced, beautiful smile. A gummy smile is a term given to define smiles that show too much gum tissue. This can occur for a number of reasons: gingival hypertrophy, excessive wear on the teeth, an abnormal jaw relationship, or even the movement of the upper lip. 

If you have a gummy smile, our skilled team can help you achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile with appropriate treatment. Contact our Bethesda, MD office to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

Gum Contouring

Depending on the cause of your gummy smile, our team may recommend a minimally invasive procedure called gum contouring. This treatment can be performed quickly and easily in our office to produce impressive results with the least amount of discomfort. Gum contouring involves gently removing excess gum tissue to even out the gum line and expose more of the natural tooth structure. 

Please note that gum contouring may not be appropriate for every patient. In cases characterized by overactive lip muscles, it may be necessary to suggest alternative treatments to relax the lips, thereby correcting the gummy smile. Orthodontics may also be suggested as a solution to improve the bite posture.

Why Correct a Gummy Smile?

Many patients may see gummy smile correction as merely a cosmetic treatment that serves no other purpose. However, there are also health-related reasons to consider this treatment. In the case of gingival hypertrophy, excess gum tissue can actually lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. This is because the excessive gum tissue can make it more difficult to keep the teeth clean, leading to a build-up of bacteria. By removing the extra gum tissue, you can help to reduce your risk of developing these serious dental problems.

The benefits of gummy smile treatment include the following:

• A more aesthetically pleasing smile
• An improved self-image and increased confidence
• Easier at-home oral hygiene
• Reduced risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease

If you are interested in learning more about gummy smile treatment, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve!

The Surgical Process

If you and our doctor have decided that surgery is the best way to treat your gummy smile, there are a few things you should know about the surgical process. Becoming more familiar with what to expect will ensure that you are properly prepared for your procedure. 

• First, the surgery will be performed under local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort. 
• Once you are comfortable, our surgeon will begin contouring the gum tissue to create a more aesthetically pleasing gum line. 
• Excess tissue will be removed, and the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures. 

The entire surgery usually takes only an hour to complete, although this will depend on the individual case. After the procedure, you may experience some mild swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.