Gum recontouring is one of the procedures that a cosmetic dentist has in his toolbox to assist in creating a beautiful smile. Many patients have too much gum tissue that covers their teeth and gives them a gummy smile. Other patients have uneven gums that are not scalloped up and down properly. Children naturally have an excess amount of gums which normally recedes at puberity. It's called passive eruption but in 10% of people this doesn't occur. They are left with an unattractive excess of gum tissue.

          Some patients that take certain prescription medications need gum recontouring due to gingival hyperplasia. Dilantin is given for epilepsy and tends to cause growth of the gums. Calcium Channel Blockers for heart disease also have the same effect. Having large amounts of persistent dental plaque and calculus underneath the gums also worsens this problem.

          Gum recontouring reshapes the gums so that they better drape over the teeth and properly frame the patient's smile. The procedure is rather simple and is done in the dental office. Most dentists use an electrical knife attached to an electrosurgery unit. The tip of the knife cuts away the excess gums and also stops the bleeding by cauterizing the tissue. The cauterized tissue usually heal nicely. Using both gingivoplasty and gingivectomy the gums are sculpted to better frame the teeth shown in the patient's smile.

          Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky is a cosmetic dentist in Atlanta that practices with the Atlanta Dental Group PC. He has been practicing Cosmetic Dentistry for over 24 years and can perform most cosmetic dental procedures including gum recontouring. If you are interested in having a free cosmetic consultation with our Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428 to schedule your appointment