Gum Contouring in NYC

Gum tissue removed during contouring does not regenerate on healthy, properly rooted teeth, so the reshaped gum line keeps its new position. Maintaining periodontal health is part of holding that contour. Patients with active gum disease or ongoing inflammation can experience tissue changes over time, which is why healthy tissue is a requirement before treatment.

The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so the treated area is numbed. Laser technique seals tissue as it sculpts, which reduces bleeding compared with scalpel methods. Most patients report mild tenderness for a few days afterward rather than significant pain, and that discomfort is generally managed with over the counter medication.

Soft tissue contouring typically heals within one to two weeks. Tenderness is most noticeable during the first several days, and a soft food diet is recommended during that window. Cases involving bone recontouring take longer, often up to six weeks, because bone remodeling continues after the surface tissue has closed.

Gum contouring is priced individually at the consultation. The fee depends on how many teeth are treated and whether the case involves soft tissue only or also requires bone recontouring. Dr. Pia confirms your exact fee once the case is diagnosed and the tooth count is set. Financing is available through CareCredit for patients who prefer to spread payment across a longer term.

Usually not. Gum contouring performed purely for appearance is classified as cosmetic and falls outside standard dental coverage. Coverage occasionally applies when tissue removal is medically necessary, such as when excess tissue contributes to periodontal disease. Verify with your carrier before treatment, since determinations vary by plan and by the documented clinical reason.

Gum tissue does not regrow over healthy tooth structure once it has been removed. Minor tissue rebound can occur in the weeks immediately following treatment as the area settles, but the contoured line is stable. Regrowth concerns generally point to an untreated inflammatory cause rather than to the contouring itself.

The two procedures move in opposite directions. Gum contouring removes excess tissue to expose more tooth surface and correct a gummy smile. Gum grafting, also called gingival augmentation, adds tissue to areas of recession where root surface has become exposed. Dr. Pia performs augmentation using allografts when tissue volume needs restoring.

Sometimes. Botox relaxes the muscles that elevate the upper lip, which lowers the lip position and reduces visible gum. It works only when a hyperactive lip is the actual cause, and the effect is temporary. When excess tissue is the cause, Botox will not change the gum line and contouring is required.

Gum tissue does not regrow over exposed root once it has receded, but it can be replaced. Where recession has cost tissue, Dr. Pia performs gingival augmentation using carefully selected allografts, restoring lost tissue to natural fullness and matching colour, height and texture across single or multiple teeth.

It depends on the cause, which is why the case is diagnosed before it is planned. Thin or receded tissue calls for augmentation. Teeth that look short while the gum sits correctly are a restorative problem rather than a gum one, and porcelain veneers or crowns solve it. Bone level requiring recontouring is surgical crown lengthening, which is assessed here and referred to the specialist network.