Gum Contouring

Too much gum tissue can visibly affect the symmetry and balance of your smile, making it look "gummy" and the teeth small. Dr. Art Carpenter can even out your gum line so it enhances rather than detracts from your smile, with a simple gum contouring procedure. Why should you consider gum contouring at our Kenilworth, IL, dental practice?

Maximize The Beauty Of Your Teeth

A heavy gum line can undermine the aesthetics of even the most stunning teeth. Teeth whitening, orthodontics, and other cosmetic procedures can only improve so much when the proportions of your gums are off. Fortunately, we can create a harmonious balance between your gums and teeth and maximize the aesthetics of your pearly whites with laser gum contouring.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a simple and straightforward cosmetic procedure that can benefit patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their gum line. During treatment, Dr. Carpenter will gently remove excess gum tissue and carefully sculpt your gum line. Gum contouring can address a variety of concerns, such as:

Excess gum tissue
Uneven gum line
“Gummy” smile
Teeth that appear short or crooked

Improve Your Entire Smile With Just One Simple Procedure

Dedication to Outstanding Care

Dr. Carpenter has been treating patients in Kenilworth and the surrounding areas for over 20 years with outstanding dental and periodontal treatments. He is dedicated to providing the community with exceptional dentistry that improves both your health and self-confidence.

If you are insecure about the appearance of your smile, you can do something about it! We offer a range of accessible cosmetic treatments making the smile of your dreams within your grasp. Contact our Kenilworth office today to find out if gum contouring is the right procedure for you. You can reach us online or by calling:

(847) 251-5004

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What Do Patients Have To Say?

Our family has been visiting Dr. Carpenter for many years. We could not be happier with the office, doctor, the lovely ladies and the amazing service.

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They have amazing service for each customer and make sure that they have a positive experience.

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How do I know if I am a candidate for gum contouring?

Factors to Consider Before Treatment

Designing Your Custom Treatment Plan

Woman in dental chair smiling at dentist

During your initial consultation at our Kenilworth office, talk to us about any concerns you have about your teeth and the goals you have for your smile. Dr. Carpenter sets aside time to meet with every patient individually and create their personalized treatment plan.

While gum contouring can be performed as a standalone treatment, we often combine the procedure with other forms of cosmetic dentistry as part of a full smile makeover. Contouring, done in conjunction with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, produces more dramatic results that highlight the full effect of the treatments.

Learn More About Smile Makeovers

Gum Contouring Timeline

Dr. Carpenter can typically complete a cosmetic gum contouring procedure in one visit to our Kenilworth dentistry practice. Here is what to expect during treatment...

Consultation

Dr. Carpenter will assess your oral health to make sure you are a good candidate for treatment. We will first address any underlying tooth or periodontal conditions before moving onto cosmetic dentistry.

Anesthetic

When you arrive for your gum contouring procedure, we begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. If you are particularly nervous or sensitive, ask Dr. Carpenter about sedation dentistry to ensure relaxation throughout the entire process.

Reshaping

Dr. Carpenter then slowly removes your excess tissue from each tooth to reshape your gum line. We strive to make our periodontal treatments as conservative as possible and remove the least amount of tissue to achieve proper balance and the desired effects.

Finishing Touches

The entire procedure usually takes between one to two hours. Some minor side effects are common but should subside within a few days. Make sure to follow Dr. Carpenter's instructions on recovery to ensure the best final results.

Reframe Your Smile Today

Minimal Pain and Risk

While the procedure may sound a little scary, it is actually relatively painless. We use high-tech tools including modern dental lasers that speed up the process and minimize the amount of trauma caused to the gums, which reduces the extent of side effects. Overall, the gum contouring is a safe and low-risk dental procedure that involves a small amount of downtime and recovery.

Caring for Your Gums After Treatment

Pain Management

During the first few days following your gum contouring procedure, your gums will likely feel sore and swollen. We recommend resting the day of your procedure to allow your body to focus on healing. Most patients are able to manage any discomfort using over-the-counter pain medication.

Diet

For the first week, you should avoid eating hard or spicy food which can irritate your gums during healing. Cool, soft foods are more gentle on your gums and will help you avoid any additional oral discomfort.

Dental Hygiene

It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine after a gum contouring procedure. However, until your gum tissue has healed, you should be gentle while brushing or flossing the treated areas. Using a saline rinse is a good way to remove food debris from your gums and keep them healthy while you heal.

Flexible Financing

CareCredit

While gum contouring is sometimes performed to treat periodontal disease, it usually is not covered by insurance when chosen for cosmetic purposes. However, our Kenilworth practice does give you options to help make your procedure more affordable. We offer flexible financing plans including CareCredit® allowing patients to make little to no interest monthly payments on their treatment.