Everyone knows what a gummy smile or a smile suffering from receding gum tissue looks like. Gum contouring is something a Harvard and USC graduate oral specialist like Dr. Arman Torbati can do. It should be noted that he is also an associate professor at USC and is considered a diplomat for the American board of porsthodontics. In short, he is the kind of specialist who can help you deal with gum-related issues. The following should help you understand what it means to go through the gum contouring process.

Everything There is to Know About Gum Contouring in Los Angeles

There are two things that gum contouring can include, which are the following:

• Your oral specialist will remove excess gum tissue to give you a less gummy smile.
• The cosmetic dentist will help restore gum tissue that might have receded for a number of reasons.

Will There be Any Pain During the Procedure?

It is okay to admit that you do not want to feel any pain, but do not worry because you will be properly medicated during the process. The likelihood of pain is significantly reduced when the medication is administered by an experienced cosmetic dentist who understands the precision involved with anesthesia.

An experienced hand will also ensure minimal discomfort once the procedure is over and done with. There are many tools that can be used during the procedure, and they could make you feel a little uncomfortable, which is a common outcome with inexperienced cosmetic dentists.

What Does the Recovery Process Entail?

Again, this depends on skill and the details of your particular procedure. For example, you may experience some irritation if gum contouring required the use of a scalpel. The use of this tool might mean you need to use sutures for some time before your gums recover completely. Of course, we can also use lasers to restructure gums, which reduces recovery time. Some people feel a little swelling, but most can deal with this issue by applying ice packs to their cheeks or lips for about 15 minutes. Some opt for pain medication, which is something we can discuss in more detail.

Should I Avoid Certain Foods After the Procedure?

There are a few changes you will have to make for a while to give your gums time to heal. For one, it is important to stay away from anything sharp that could end up cutting, poking, or irritating your gums. This could be something as harmless as a tortilla chip. What you want to do is stick to soft foods as much as possible, which could include the following:

• Yogurt
• Soups
• Cream-like foods
• Pudding
• Doughy foods

Giving your gums time to heal ensures that the process does not take too long. Your gums will go back to normal with time, and we will let you know when you can go back to a regular diet. It should also be noted that tooth brushing will need to be done gently to prevent injury.

If you have any questions regarding gum contouring, give us a call. We can answer any questions you might have and schedule a consultation for you.