Gum Lift? It’s Not About Getting Bubble Gum Out of Your Carpet
|February 21, 2018
When you smile, do others see more gum than teeth? This can be a sensitive subject for you, if this describes your smile. Floss La Jolla has good news for you. A gum lift can reduce the appearance of your gum line and show more of your pearly whites.
The technical terminology is: crown lengthening through an apically positioned muco-periosteal flap and osseous recontouring. Well, that’s glamorous, isn’t it? However, this procedure that can be done in our office in about 2 to 3 hours can make your smile more glamorous.
Is a Gum Lift the Same as Trimming Excess Gum Tissue?
No, this procedure is different than gingivectomy done by laser, radio surgery, or surgical knife. With this method, it is always possible for the gum to regrow, or you may develop a permanent state of gingivitis. For a permanent improvement, the underlying bone must be reduced in proportion to the gum as well.
Is Gum Lifting Painful?
The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and is completed under local anesthesia, just like many other dental procedures. While local anesthesia is enough to perform the gum lift painlessly, some patients prefer a degree of sedation to address anxiety. You can discuss your preferences with Dr. Mehdizadeh during your consultation.
A gum lift is considered minor surgery, and you will have some minor discomfort, limitations, and delicacies that are typically associated with dental surgery. Many patients report a certain degree of numbness at the site rather than pain. Most of the discomfort comes from the swelling of the area rather than the surgical wound itself. There will be some stitches that are removed approximately 6 days after the procedure, or resorbable stitches may be used.
Are There Any Complications from the Gum Lift Procedure?
Any procedure has some risk of a complication, yet if you follow instructions, take the prescribed medications, rest, and eat well, the risk is almost nothing. Dr. Mehdizedeh and the Floss staff have significant experience with the gum lift method. You may encounter some teeth sensitivity that typically wears off within a few months, and if you experience gum numbness, that may take up to a year to fully disappear. Spaces that occur between the teeth due to the procedure may take 10 to 14 months to close as long as you keep your gums healthy during this time period.
Will I Need Veneers or Crowns After the Gum Lift Procedure?
This depends on your individual circumstances. We recommend discussing this possibility with the Floss staff prior to having the procedure done. Whether you need additional restorative work done on your teeth after the gum lift depends upon the preexisting condition of your teeth and gums. It also depends on how extensive the gum lift is.
Dr. Mehdizadeh will patiently explain each step of the process with actual, unretouched photos of cases so you can determine how much gum lift you want and whether you want further work done on your teeth. Many of the most amazing improvements use a combination of gum lift and restorative methods.
In many cases, a gum lift will give you the stunning smile you have always dreamed of. In other circumstances, some additional restorative work may be desired. You can discuss all of this including the cost with Dr. Mehdizadeh prior to any work taking place. The gum lift procedure can vary in technique depending upon any restorative work that may follow.
Give us a call today for a consultation. Your perfect smile awaits.