Gum Contouring: Does it Hurt and Answers to Other Common Questions

What is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is usually considered a cosmetic dental procedure that can correct an uneven gum line. In the oral health world, gum contouring surgery is also referred to as gingivectomy. An uneven gum line means that your gums are too high or too low on your teeth and you may have a “gummy smile"¹ that shows all of your teeth. It's also a treatment option for someone who has had gum recession and too little gum, exposing the roots of their teeth. Gum contouring is permanent since gum tissue will not regrow.

Why Get Gum Contouring?

If you have excessive periodontal disease or gum recession and your gums are worn away, your dentist might advise you to get a gum contouring surgical procedure because the tooth's root is exposed. The exposed roots can also cause sensitivity and pain when brushing or eating hot or cold foods. Another reason to get gum contouring is if your gums cover a lot of your teeth, making them look small.

Where Can I Get Gum Contouring?

The type of doctor that performs gum contouring is usually a cosmetic dentist or a periodontist (someone who specifically treats the gums and bones supporting the teeth). Your dentist may give you a referral about where to get gum reshaping done near you if they don't do this dental procedure themselves.

What Does a Gum Contouring Procedure Involve?

This is an in-office procedure at a cosmetic dentist's office. The surgery may take one to two hours, depending on how many teeth are involved in the contouring and the specific procedure being done. The dentist will numb the affected area with local anesthesia.³ They may use a scalpel, radiosurgery or laser to remove excess gum tissue and sculpt the gum line.⁴ Then, the dentist may use a scalpel and laser to complete the gum reshaping. Some dentists only use a laser to remove and sculpt the gum tissue for minimally invasive gum contouring.⁵ If you're only getting the laser procedure done on a few teeth, the process will not take as long. Talk to your dentist about the surgery they recommend for your smile and the pros and cons of each method.

Is Gum Contouring Painful?

You're no doubt wondering if gum contouring hurts. You shouldn't feel pain during the procedure, but some patients report gum soreness after a gum reshaping procedure.¹ Your doctor will probably recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol on an as-needed basis if you're experiencing pain while you heal. They will probably suggest you avoid aspirin, as it can cause bleeding.²

What is Gum Contouring Recovery Like?

Gum contouring recovery can take up to a few weeks for gums to completely heal.³ Your dentist can explain what to expect during the healing process and how you should brush and care for your teeth in the first few days and weeks. Your dentist will likely recommend eating soft, temperate or cool foods for the first few days following the procedure. People who have had gum contouring should avoid eating foods with seeds and spicy foods until their gums are completely healed.² You'll want to use a gentle mouth rinse that kills germs without burning the gums.⁴

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

The cost of gum contouring depends on the amount of work you’re having done. Often dentists charge by the tooth and the procedure isn’t covered by insurance.³ Prices may range from $50 to $350 for one tooth³ or $1,000 to $3,000⁶ for the anterior teeth to top teeth. Your dentist may offer a financing program to ease the financial cost of gum contouring. If your dentist takes the CareCredit credit card, that could be an easy and convenient way to pay for your procedure.

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for dental treatments not fully covered by insurance, including gum contouring.* Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a qualified dental care provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.