Tucson Gum Lift
Reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile” for a more balanced and white smile!
What is gum lift?
Asymmetrical gums or excessive gum display can make your teeth look small and create disharmony in your smile. Options to treat this esthetic dilemma are orthodontics, gum surgery (aka gum lift) or a combination of the two. A gum lift is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess tissue to show more of your white tooth structure hiding under the gums. Other terms for a gum lift include gingivectomy, gingival contouring, gum reshaping, and esthetic crown lengthening.
Following gum lift surgery, your appearance and self-esteem can dramatically improve. The net effect is more white tooth structure will show and less pink gums will show when you smile, creating better harmony.
Why Skyline Dental?
Does the appearance of your gums make you self-conscious when you smile? Healthy and beautiful gums are the key to a healthy and beautiful smile. At Skyline Dental, we want you to enjoy the benefits of both outstanding oral health and a smile you want to show off to the world. A gum lift is a single-visit procedure that can help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule a consultation to learn about your options!
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How it works: Gum lifts at Skyline Dental
1
Consultation and examination
2
Determine if a gum lift is appropriate for better smile harmony
3
Gum lift surgery, healing, and follow-up care
TUCSON’S TOP-RATED DENTIST
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“The office is meticulously cleaned and the warm towels scented with lavender were a great touch. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for exceptional care.”
“I loved Skyline Dental! Dr. Raymond and all the staff are very friendly & knowledgeable. Beautifully designed office space, convenient location, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere…”
“The staff and Dr. Raymond exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Thank you Skyline Dental.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my teeth also need treatment as part of a gum lift?
The answer is sometimes. If the treatment is needed to improve the ratio of gums to teeth displayed when smiling, sometimes adding length to the teeth can help to achieve smile harmony. It’s best to discuss with your dentist first your appearance goals and see a simulation of what is possible before and after with a gum lift alone vs. a gum lift in combination with porcelain veneers or composite bonding.
What can I expect from gum lift surgery?
A gum lift procedure is a short surgical procedure that reshapes the gum line and soft tissue. During your gum lift surgery, you will be perfectly numb and comfortable. Using prefabricated guides, we will remove the appropriate amount of gum tissue and in some cases, it may be necessary to remove some underlying bone to prevent the pink gum tissue from growing back to its original position. Sometimes sutures (aka stitches) are necessary, but usually they aren’t. The gums are typically sore for a few days as they heal, but oftentimes there is minimal to no soreness following this procedure.
How long does it take to recover after a gum lift?
Your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure you have, but generally, it takes 2-3 days for soreness to resolve. It can take 3-4 months for the gums to fully mature and settle into their final positions. This is particularly true of the gum tissue between teeth known as papilla. As the papilla regenerates, a void known as a “black triangle” may persist for up to 6 months. For a quick recovery, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for recovery, which may include:
- Rinsing with warm salt water after meals and throughout the day for the first week
- Ibuprofen for inflammation and pain management (if needed)
- Application of gels with healing factors to relieve soreness and accelerate healing
- Gently brushing and flossing around the gums to comfortably keep them and any sutures clean. The cleaner the gums, the quicker and more comfortable the healing process.
Is a gum lift permanent?
Gum lifts, if done properly, are permanent procedures. In cases where bone is not removed when it should have been, the gums can grow right back to their original positions. Proper planning with a skilled dentist performing the procedure will prevent relapse. If botox has been recommended as a way to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by decreasing lip movement when smiling, repeat injections will be needed every 3-6 months.
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