Gum Lifts and Contouring in Erlanger
Improving Your Smile Line with Gum Contouring
Do you have a gummy smile? If so, you probably already know that a beautiful smile is not only about straight white teeth. Excessive gum tissue throws off the balance and symmetry of your smile, often making teeth appear shorter than they really are. Likewise, uneven gum tissue can give your teeth an irregularly-shaped appearance. To correct gums that are misshapen or displayed excessively, your Erlanger KY cosmetic dentist Dr. Henry offers a procedure called gum contouring, also known as a gum lift or gingivectomy.
Precise Laser Gum Surgery
Gum surgery of the past involved scalpels, stitches, and a long recovery period. However, Dr. Henry has invested in the most modern surgical equipment available to ensure that your gum contouring procedure is comfortable and heals quickly: a diode laser. After marking the gum tissue to be removed, she will apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Next, she will reshape your gums with the diode laser, which precisely removes gum tissues while sealing them off at the same time to help prevent bleeding and swelling. Because no cutting or stitches are involved, your recovery time is minimal. With laser gum surgery, Dr. Henry can give you a gum line that beautifully frames your teeth and gives you a reason to smile!
Botox Treatment
In some cases, patients show too much gum tissue because of a hyperactive muscle that controls the upper lip. If this muscle causes your lip to rise too high, your smile will appear gummy. Dr. Henry can treat this condition with Botox, which will relax the upper lip, allowing it to drape over the gum area. Keep in mind that the effects of Botox last about three months, so you will need to return for retreatment periodically for long-term esthetic results.
For personalized general and cosmetic dental care in northern Kentucky, contact Dr. Darlene Henry today to schedule an appointment.