Our dental specialists offering family and cosmetic dentistry in Leesburg, VA, understand the impact that periodontitis can have on a person’s oral health and overall well-being. Periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can cause inflammation, infection, and damage to the gums and surrounding tissues, can be a challenging condition to treat. However, with gum contouring, a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment option, our experienced team can help patients restore their gum health, reduce pocket depth, and achieve a more balanced and harmonious smile.

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves reshaping and recontouring the gums to improve their appearance and health. The procedure is typically performed using a laser or surgical instruments and can be done in a single visit.

What Are The Benefits of Gum Contouring for Periodontitis?

Gum contouring offers several benefits for patients with periodontitis, including:

• Improved Gum Health: Gum contouring can help remove infected or damaged gum tissue, promoting healthy gum growth and reducing the risk of further infection.
• Reduced Pocket Depth: Gum contouring can help reduce the pocket depth between the teeth and gums, making it easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene.
• Improved Smile Aesthetics: Gum contouring can help improve the appearance of the smile by reshaping and recontouring the gums to create a more balanced and harmonious look.
• Boosted Confidence: By improving the health and appearance of the gums, gum contouring can help boost a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Gum contouring can help prevent further damage to the gums and surrounding tissues by removing infected or damaged tissue and promoting healthy gum growth.

What Does Gum Contouring Procedure Involve?

The gum contouring process typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation: The patient consults with a periodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss their treatment options and determine if gum contouring is right for them.
• Pre-Treatment Preparation: The patient prepares for the procedure by brushing and flossing their teeth and avoiding certain medications that may interfere with the procedure.
• Administration of Anesthesia: The patient is administered a local anesthetic to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
• Removal of Infected Tissue: The periodontist or cosmetic dentist uses a laser or surgical instrument to remove infected or damaged gum tissue.
• Reshaping and Recontouring: The periodontist or cosmetic dentist reshapes and recontours the gums to create a more balanced and harmonious look.
• Follow-Up Care: The patient follows up with the periodontist or cosmetic dentist to ensure that the gums are healing properly and to discuss any further treatment options.

Are There Any Risks and Complications Involved in Gum Contouring?

As with any dental procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with gum contouring that can be easily managed. These may include:

• Bleeding and Swelling: Some bleeding and swelling are common after gum contouring, but these symptoms should subside within a few days.
• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection with gum contouring.
• Gum Recession: Gum contouring can cause gum recession, especially if the procedure is not performed correctly.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after gum contouring, but this symptom should subside within a few days.

Final Note 

Gum contouring is a highly effective treatment option for patients with periodontitis. By removing infected or damaged gum tissue and reshaping and recontouring the gums, gum contouring can help improve gum health, reduce pocket depth, and boost confidence. While there are some risks and complications associated with gum contouring, these can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced periodontist or cosmetic dentist. 

If you’re considering gum contouring for periodontitis, consult with a qualified dentist to determine if this treatment is right for you.