Laser Gum Contouring in Houston Heights

Your best smile might be concealed by overgrown gums. A "gummy" smile refers to when your mouth has too much gum tissue and not enough visible enamel. MINT dentistry in Houston, TX is dedicated to helping you reveal a more attractive smile through proactive care and cosmetic treatments. Laser gum contouring uses cutting-edge technology to improve the shape of your gums by excising overgrown soft tissue to expose your dazzling smile. In addition to giving you a better-looking smile, a higher gumline may also help your health by eliminating pockets where debris and bacteria get caught, which can cause gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease). During your initial consultation at MINT dentistry, a board-certified professional will evaluate your oral health to decide if laser gum sculpting will improve your smile and confidence.

Sculpting your gums with a laser treatment can improve the ratio of soft tissue to enamel for a more proportionate and attractive smile while also helping your overall oral health. You are a good candidate for cosmetic gum contouring if you'd like to eliminate excess gum tissue to help improve your appearance. If your gums are overdeveloped and come down too low over your enamel, laser gum sculpting will reveal a better gumline. Gum sculpting may also prevent problems like gum disease and halitosis (chronic bad breath) caused by debris and bacteria trapped in deep gum pockets. At your initial consultation, we will perform an examination and craft a personalized plan for your treatment that will optimize your oral health and smile.

Using advanced dental technology, laser gum contouring is completed in our state-of-the-art practice using local anesthetic. We also offer several methods of sedation dentistry to soothe any fears or anxiety about visiting the dentist. Before the treatment, 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 doctor will carefully use the laser handpiece to eliminate overgrown tissue a little at a time. The heat from the laser cauterizes the remaining tissue so incisions are not required. When your gumline is even, we will rinse and clean your teeth and gums so you can enjoy the final result. Laser gum contouring treatments should only take, for most patients, one visit, which may be combined with your regular appointment for a cleaning and exam.

After your laser gum contouring, your dentist will discuss instructions for your recovery. Your doctor may write you a prescription for antibiotics. Your mouth may be swollen for a while. With a good oral health routine (daily brushing and mouthwash), the soft tissue will heal and look normal again soon. If you have any questions of signs of an infection, you should contact our office. Continue to schedule bi-annual dental cleanings so we can check your gums and help keep your smile great.

Elective cosmetic treatments, like laser gum contouring, are not generally covered by dental insurance. However, we will ask your provider if any benefits are available. For patients who aren't using dental insurance, our office takes several methods of payment. Your dentist can give you estimates in your initial consultation plus information on financing to make it easier to afford your treatment. Our team is dedicated to helping every patient get the treatments and procedures they need and want.

Sculpting your gums with laser contouring at MINT dentistry is an amazing procedure for several reasons — removing excess gum tissue can correct a "gummy" smile as well as minimize your chance of developing problems with gum disease. If you'd like to have a more confident smile or boost the health of your gums and teeth, you may be a good candidate for laser gum contouring. To get more information about laser gum sculpting, contact our practice in Houston, TX to schedule an initial consultation.