Laser Gum Contouring in Galveston, TX

A great smile may be concealed by too much gum tissue. A "gummy" smile happens when too much enamel is hidden by excessive soft tissue. MINT dentistry in Galveston, TX is dedicated to giving you a more attractive smile through proactive care and modern treatments. Laser gum contouring uses cutting-edge technology to improve the shape of your gums by excising overdeveloped soft tissue to reveal your sexy teeth. In addition to giving you a more attractive smile, a higher gumline may also help your health by eliminating places where debris and bacteria often get caught, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. During your initial consultation at MINT dentistry, a board-certified doctor will evaluate your oral health to decide if laser gum sculpting can help your smile.

Laser gum controuing can improve both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. You might be interested in laser gum sculpting if you'd like to balance the amount of gum tissue that's visible when you smile. If you have a low gumline, a laser treatment will reveal a higher gumline. A laser gum procedure can also help treat gingivitis and other chronic infections caused by debris and bacteria trapped in large gum pockets. During your consultation, your dentist will perform a thorough examination and then develop a personalized plan for your treatment that will benefit both the appearance of your smile and your oral health.

Gum contouring with a laser is performed in our office using local anesthetic. MINT dentistry is also equipped to perform many sedation methods to help with any fears or anxiety about getting a dental procedure. Before your procedure starts, your team will give you time to relax in a massaging treatment chair. You can choose to listen to music through a pair of Beats headphones or watch a television show on a flat-screen. To start the treatment, your gums and teeth will be cleaned then dried to remove excess moisture. Then, your team will carefully use the laser handpiece to eliminate the needed soft tissue, revealing your new gumline. The heat from the laser cauterizes your gums to minimize bleeding. When the desired amount of tissue has been removed and your gumline is even, we will rinse and clean your teeth and gums so you can enjoy the final result. Laser gum sculpting can usually be completed in one visit and may be combined with one of your twice-yearly cleanings.

After your procedure, your team will discuss instructions for your recovery. Your doctor may write you a prescription for antibiotics if there are concerns about an infection. Your mouth may feel sore and swollen for a while. If you gently brush your teeth every day and use mouthwash, the soft tissue will heal and look normal again soon. If you notice any concerns or questions, please contact our office immediately. Keep attending your twice-yearly cleanings so we can check your progress and keep your smile beautiful.

Laser gum contouring, like most cosmetic treatments, are not usually covered by dental insurance policies. However, we will check to see if any benefits are available. For patients who aren't using dental insurance, we accept several methods of payment. We can discuss estimates in your initial consultation plus information on financing to make it easier to fit your treatment into your budget. MINT dentistry is dedicated to helping every patient get the treatments and procedures they need.

Cosmetic gum sculpting at MINT dentistry is an amazing procedure for many reasons — removing excess gum tissue can correct a "gummy" smile as well as minimize your chance of developing gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease). If you'd like to have a more confident smile or boost the health of your mouth, you may be a good candidate for laser gum contouring. To get more information about gum sculpting and other cosmetic treatments, contact our practice in Galveston, TX to schedule a consultation with our team of board-certified dental professionals.