Bring Symmetry to Your Smile with Laser Gum Contouring

The gums are meant to delicately frame the teeth, rather than serve as the primary focal point. If you have an uneven gum line or too much gum tissue covering your teeth, laser gum contouring at our Albuquerque, NM, dental practice can safely eliminate excess gum tissue to create a more even frame for your teeth. Dr. Michael Haight prefers to use a laser instead of a traditional scalpel due to improved precision, less pain and bleeding, and a faster recovery.

Who Qualifies for Laser Gum Contouring?

Patients with a gummy or uneven gum line are typically eligible for laser gum contouring. Candidates should be in good oral health, however. If extensive decay or periodontal disease is present, our doctors will recommend restorative procedures before any cosmetic treatments are performed. During an initial consultation at our practice, we will perform a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures to determine if laser gum contouring is right for you.

The laser technology used in this procedure cauterizes and sterilizes the tissue instantly, significantly reducing the risk for infection.

How Does Laser Gum Contouring Work?

Before beginning laser gum contouring, Dr. Haight may administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once you are comfortable, he will carefully measure your gum tissue to determine how much should be removed. Using a soft tissue diode laser, he will then remove the excess gum and reshape the remaining tissue for a symmetrical, balanced appearance.

Laser gum contouring removes excess gum tissue so that your smile looks bigger and more balanced.

The laser technology used in this procedure cauterizes and sterilizes the tissue instantly, significantly reducing the risk for infection. As a result, there is minimal post-treatment bleeding and discomfort. This technique also eliminates the need for stitches.

Following the procedure, you may experience slight tenderness or discomfort. However, these side effects typically diminish within the first couple of days. We will provide you with a detailed list of post-operative guidelines to help you enjoy a comfortable and successful recovery.

Benefits of Laser Gum Contouring

Patients who undergo laser gum contouring at our practice can enjoy numerous advantages, especially compared to conventional gum contouring, including:

• Reduced discomfort: Because our soft tissue diode laser cauterizes tissues as it cuts, patients feel little to no discomfort after their procedure. While local anesthesia can still be administered for your comfort, it is often not necessary.
• Reduced bleeding: As the laser removes excess tissue, it seals the wound. Therefore, patients experience virtually zero bleeding during and after their procedure.
• Improved accuracy: Our laser incises close to the gum line, allowing your doctor to perform the procedure with incredible precision. The result is a balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Quicker recovery: Because laser gum contouring eliminates the need for sutures, patients can enjoy a faster healing period compared to traditional gum contouring.

Furthermore, laser gum contouring can even help improve your oral hygiene. When extra gum tissue is present, bacteria can hide between the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. By eliminating excess tissue, laser gum contouring makes these areas easier to clean.

Reframe Your Smile

If you are unhappy with teeth that appear short or if you have a gummy smile, laser gum contouring could be the solution for you. To explore your treatment options, schedule a consultation at Parkway Dental. Contact us online or give us a call at (505) 298-7479.