Gum Treatment
Disclaimer: Images are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results and patient outcomes may vary.
Gum Treatment at Melton
Concerned about a gummy smile? At Melton Dental House, our experienced team offers gum recontouring and treatments to balance your gum-to-tooth ratio and improve your smile appearance.
When Gums Affect Your Smile
Excessive gum tissue showing when you smile, uneven gum levels, or gums covering too much of your teeth can affect your confidence. At Melton Dental House, we provide treatments to address gum concerns and create more balanced proportions between your teeth and gums.
Understanding Gum Treatment
Gum treatment (gum recontouring or gingivectomy) involves reshaping the gum line to expose more of the tooth surface, creating a more balanced smile appearance. The procedure typically uses laser technology or surgical instruments to remove excess gum tissue and, when necessary, recontour underlying bone.
Treatment begins with comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your gum concerns, whether excess tissue, short teeth, lip mobility, or combinations thereof. This assessment guides which treatment approach may be most appropriate.
Results depend on individual anatomy, healing response, and the extent of tissue removed. Gum tissue does not grow back once removed, making this an irreversible procedure requiring careful planning.
Could Gum Treatment Be Right for You?
At Melton Dental House, we believe every patient deserves individual attention. Gum treatment may be suitable following our comprehensive assessment, though each case requires careful evaluation of your gum health, tooth length and treatment goals.
Your Gum Treatment Journey
Whilst individual needs vary based on the extent of tissue removal and technique used, here's what you can typically expect:
Your Comprehensive Assessment
Our experienced team examines your gums, teeth and smile dynamics, measures gum tissue levels, takes photographs, and discusses what outcomes are realistically achievable for your situation. (1 visit, approximately 45-60 minutes)
Treatment Planning
We explain which approach is recommended (laser or surgical), discuss how much tissue needs removal, review expected appearance changes, and ensure you understand risks and irreversible nature of treatment. (Same or follow-up visit, approximately 30 minutes)
Gum Recontouring Procedure
Under local anaesthetic, excess gum tissue is carefully removed using laser or surgical instruments, with attention to creating symmetrical, natural-looking contours. (1 visit, approximately 60-90 minutes depending on extent)
Initial Recovery Period
You'll experience swelling, discomfort and sensitivity for several days, requiring soft diet, pain management, and careful oral hygiene whilst healing progresses. (Approximately 7-14 days)
Healing Assessment
We review healing progress, address any complications, check gum contours, and provide guidance for ongoing care as tissue continues healing and shrinking. (Follow-up visit 1-2 weeks post-procedure, approximately 30 minutes)
Final Result Evaluation
After 6-12 weeks once complete healing occurs, we assess final gum contours, discuss whether additional treatment is needed, or whether results meet expectations. (Follow-up visit, approximately 30 minutes)
Your Comprehensive Assessment
Our experienced team examines your gums, teeth and smile dynamics, measures gum tissue levels, takes photographs, and discusses what outcomes are realistically achievable for your situation. (1 visit, approximately 45-60 minutes)
Treatment Planning
We explain which approach is recommended (laser or surgical), discuss how much tissue needs removal, review expected appearance changes, and ensure you understand risks and irreversible nature of treatment. (Same or follow-up visit, approximately 30 minutes)
Gum Recontouring Procedure
Under local anaesthetic, excess gum tissue is carefully removed using laser or surgical instruments, with attention to creating symmetrical, natural-looking contours. (1 visit, approximately 60-90 minutes depending on extent)
Initial Recovery Period
You'll experience swelling, discomfort and sensitivity for several days, requiring soft diet, pain management, and careful oral hygiene whilst healing progresses. (Approximately 7-14 days)
Healing Assessment
We review healing progress, address any complications, check gum contours, and provide guidance for ongoing care as tissue continues healing and shrinking. (Follow-up visit 1-2 weeks post-procedure, approximately 30 minutes)
Final Result Evaluation
After 6-12 weeks once complete healing occurs, we assess final gum contours, discuss whether additional treatment is needed, or whether results meet expectations. (Follow-up visit, approximately 30 minutes)
Risks & Recovery
Gum treatment helps manage gum disease and improve gum health, but like all dental procedures, it has risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Temporary gum tenderness or discomfort
- Minor bleeding during or after treatment
- Swelling or inflammation in the treated area
- Increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
- In rare cases, infection or delayed healing
Recovery considerations:
- Discomfort usually settles within a few days
- Improved oral hygiene is essential for long-term gum health
- Mild sensitivity may last for a short period and typically decreases with time
- Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing and ongoing gum stability
Invest in Your Oral Health
Quality dental care is an investment in your long-term health and wellbeing. Download our comprehensive price guide today.
Any questions?
Will my gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue removal is permanent and irreversible. Once tissue is removed, it will not regenerate. This makes careful planning essential, as overcorrection cannot be easily reversed. Natural gum recession may continue over time, potentially exposing more tooth than initially intended.
How painful is the recovery?
Most patients experience moderate discomfort for 3-7 days, managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Sensitivity to hot, cold and brushing is common during healing. Some patients experience minimal discomfort whilst others find recovery more challenging. Individual pain tolerance varies significantly.
When will I see final results?
Initial results are visible immediately, but swelling masks true outcomes for 2-4 weeks. Gums continue healing and shrinking for 6-12 weeks before final contours stabilize. The appearance changes during healing, so patience is required to assess whether results meet expectations.
Making Your Smile Affordable
We offer flexible payment plans to suit your budget. Get the dental care you need, when you need it.
Ready to Learn More?
The first step is a comprehensive consultation to assess whether gum treatment could suit your needs. Contact our caring Melton team today.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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