Gummy Smile Surgery

Gummy smile also known as excessive gingival display is a smile that shows an excessive amount of gum under the upper lip. Gummy smile surgery is an option for enhancing the smiles of people who have excessive gum tissue in the mouth, especially on the front teeth. When they smile, they may appear to have either small teeth or an unattractive volume of gum tissue that covers the teeth excessively.

Duration of Gummy smile surgery

This safe procedure causes very little downtime in most patients. Recovery is fast, typically requiring less than a week for most patients.

Related Paraclinics Gummy Smile

Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. This examination may involve conventional and/or digital impressions of your teeth and gums. You may also need X-ray imaging so that the tooth roots and jaw bone can be carefully examined.

Preoperative Gummy Smile

If you think you have a gummy smile, visit your dentist for confirmation and treatment options. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the extent of the excessive gingival display and any possible causes.

Your dentist may refer you to a specialist, like a periodontist, orthodontist or an oral surgeon. Depending on the nature of your specific clinical condition, treatment could include one or more of the following:

• Same-day laser treatments (in minor cases).
• Surgical lip repositioning.
• Orthodontics (braces) to move the teeth into more suitable positions.
• Surgical Sculpting of the gingival tissues and bone to create healthier and more attractive looking gum contours.
• Maxillofacial surgery to reposition the bone.

The Process of Gummy smile surgery

This procedure involves the use of localized anesthesia and IV sedative drugs. Most patients do not need general anesthesia to receive this outpatient surgery.

During this procedure, the periodontist will remove the excess gum tissue – and possibly bone – in order to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This Surgical Sculpting procedure can be performed on one or more teeth to create an even gum line or a more natural-looking smile.

Gummy smile treatment with lasers

The procedure is not only comfortable but the post-procedure recovery time is much faster when compared to other treatment options. Combined with less discomfort, dental laser treatment is the best available option to cut away excessive gum tissue.

Furthermore, the advanced technology of dental laser seals up the blood vessels automatically resulting in less swelling and blood during and afterward.

The dental laser is a more suitable option for those who hesitate or are afraid of any dental procedures. The results of this treatment speak volumes about how beneficial the method is. Moreover, you will get your original and attractive smile back.

The dentist will be responsible to reshape the gum line, increase the length of your teeth, remove excess gum tissue, and produce a more symmetrical gum line.

Postoperative Gummy smile surgery

Do NOT eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause damage. You will probably have some discomfort when the anesthesia wears off; take your non-aspirin pain medication(s) as directed, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter.

You may experience some tooth sensitivity after surgery, especially to cold. Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after surgery and can be minimized by keeping the area as free of plaque as possible. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact the doctor for recommendations or medications to relieve the discomfort.

IF you are instructed to wear a clear appliance or an upper denture that covers up the roof of the mouth, do NOT REMOVE it for 24 hours NO MATTER WHAT!!! It may pool with blood, but leave it in there and just swoosh with Chlorhexidine rinse or lukewarm salt water.

• After 24 hours you are to wear it as much as you please, especially while you eat for your comfort.

Possible risks include

• Slight swelling of the operated area
• Chapped lips
• Bruising of the lips/cheek area
• Tooth sensitivity after surgery, especially to cold
• Minor bleeding such as pinkish tinge to your saliva may occur during the first 48 hours following surgery
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia is a rare risk to dental laser treatment.

Prescribing for

• Gummy smile surgery is an option for enhancing the smiles of people who have excessive gum tissue in the mouth, especially on the front teeth.
• The dental laser is a more suitable option for those who hesitate or are afraid of any dental procedures.

Duration of hospitalization

This surgery does not need hospitalization.