The Benefits of Laser Gum Contouring vs. a Traditional Procedure
A beautiful smile is composed of straight, white, and evenly spaced teeth. A straight, even gum line is also important to the overall appearance of the smile. The gums frame the teeth, and it is important that the balance between periodontal tissue and the tooth structure is just right. If a patient has excessive gum tissue, the smile can appear “gummy.” Laser gum contouring removes extra gum tissue and reshapes the gum line to improve proportions between the soft tissue and the teeth. Dr. Bruce Wilderman performs laser gum contouring vs. the traditional procedure at his Philadelphia, PA, dental practice because it offers his patients a number of unique advantages.
Traditional Gum Contouring
Gum contouring treatment has been offered for many years. Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to create a more balanced and symmetrical smile. Traditional gum contouring is performed using a dental scalpel. The scalpel manually cuts away extra gum tissue to expose more tooth structure. Although traditional gum contouring is performed using a local anesthetic, this procedure does result in significant bleeding and a somewhat uncomfortable recovery process. Depending on how much gum tissue is removed, the gum line may even need to be sutured closed to allow the gum tissue to heal. While traditional gum contouring can provide beautiful results, Dr. Wilderman believes that there is a better way to reshape the gum line.
Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring reshapes the gum line to improve proportions between the teeth and gum tissues, just as traditional gum contouring does. However, rather than using a manual scalpel, laser gum contouring employs the use of a dental laser. The high-powered laser uses light energy to remove gum tissue. This procedure is minimally invasive and virtually pain-free. As compared to traditional gum contouring, laser gum contouring is a safer and more precise method of removing excess tissue.
Benefits of Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring uses advanced dental technology to improve outcomes for patients. Below are some of the many advantages that laser gum contouring offers vs. the traditional procedure:
- Improved precision: The dental laser cuts closely at the gum line and allows Dr. Wilderman to accurately reshape the gum line. The precision of laser gum contouring cannot be matched by a manual scalpel.
- Less bleeding: As opposed to traditional gum contouring, laser gum contouring involves virtually no bleeding. As the laser cuts away excess gum tissue, it simultaneously cauterizes the tissues to minimize bleeding.
- Virtually pain-free: Because the laser used in laser gum contouring cauterizes nerves and tissues while it cuts, the patient is likely to feel little-to-no pain during their procedure. Many patients opt to avoid anesthesia during treatment. Those who do ask for anesthetic require very little to maintain comfort during treatment.
- Faster recovery: Laser gum contouring does not require sutures and does not leave the patient with any open sores. Because of this, recovery from laser gum contouring is much faster than that of a traditional contouring procedure.
Learn More
If the balance of your smile is thrown off by an excess of gum tissue, you may be an ideal candidate for laser gum contouring. To learn more about the benefits of this cosmetic dentistry treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Bruce Wilderman looks forward to hearing from you!