GumContouring.
Laser gum reshaping removes excess or uneven gum tissue to expose more of your natural tooth structure, creating a balanced, proportional smile without surgery.
What Is Gum Contouring at Nanwood Dental?
Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping or a gingivectomy, is a cosmetic procedure at Nanwood Dental in Brampton that removes and sculpts excess or uneven gum tissue along the gum line. When too much gum covers the teeth, it creates what is commonly called a “gummy smile,” making teeth appear short or uneven even when they are perfectly healthy.
At Nanwood Dental, we use a precise dental laser to perform gum contouring. The laser removes tissue with accuracy, seals the site as it works, and reduces bleeding compared to traditional scalpel techniques. The result is a more symmetrical gum line and better-proportioned smile in a single appointment.
How Does Gum Contouring Work at Nanwood Dental?
Before treatment begins, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to keep the area completely comfortable. Using a soft-tissue laser, we trace the desired gum line and gently remove the excess tissue. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, which minimises bleeding and reduces the risk of infection.
In some cases, a small amount of underlying bone may also be contoured to achieve lasting results. This step is discussed with you in advance during your consultation. The entire appointment at Nanwood Dental typically takes between one and two hours, depending on how much of the gum line is being treated.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Contouring in Brampton?
Gum contouring at Nanwood Dental is suitable for adults whose gum line affects their smile aesthetics or who have gum tissue that is uneven from one side to the other. You may be a good candidate if you experience any of the following:
A “gummy smile” where gum tissue covers more than a third of the visible tooth surface
An uneven or asymmetrical gum line that makes teeth appear different heights
Teeth that look short or small despite being full-sized beneath the gum tissue
Preparation for porcelain veneers or crowns that require more tooth surface to bond to
Good overall gum health, with no active periodontal disease requiring treatment first
What Does Recovery Look Like After Gum Contouring?
Most patients return to their normal routine the day after their procedure. The gum tissue may feel tender and look slightly swollen for several days. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort during the first 48 to 72 hours.
During the first week, we recommend sticking to soft foods (yogurt, eggs, pasta, and similar items) and rinsing gently with warm salt water. You should avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until the tissue has healed. Most Nanwood Dental patients see their final result within two to four weeks as swelling fully resolves and the gum line settles into its new contour.
Are Gum Contouring Results Permanent?
In the majority of cases, gum contouring produces long-lasting, often permanent, results. Once the gum tissue is removed and the underlying bone is contoured if necessary, the gum line typically remains stable. There is a small possibility of minor tissue regrowth over time if bone contouring was not performed, which your dentist will discuss with you before proceeding.
Certain medications and medical conditions can influence gum growth, so share a complete health history during your consultation. With proper care and routine dental visits, most patients at Nanwood Dental enjoy their reshaped gum line for many years.
Office Hours
- Tue & Fri
- 10am – 7pm
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Closed
Gum Contouring Questions
Who is a good candidate for gum contouring at Nanwood Dental?
Good candidates for gum contouring at Nanwood Dental include Brampton patients with a gummy smile, an uneven gum line, or teeth that look short due to excess gum tissue. You should also have healthy gums with no active periodontal disease. During a consultation, our Brampton team examines your gum line and confirms whether laser gum contouring is the right fit for your smile goals.
What happens during a gum contouring procedure at Nanwood Dental?
Gum contouring at Nanwood Dental starts with a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Using a soft-tissue laser, we trace and reshape the gum line, removing excess tissue while sealing the site as we go. Most appointments take one to two hours depending on how much of the gum line needs treatment. Brampton patients typically leave the same day with no stitches required.
How long is recovery after gum contouring at Nanwood Dental in Brampton?
Most Nanwood Dental patients return to their normal routine the day after gum contouring. Mild tenderness and swelling are common for the first two to three days and usually respond well to over-the-counter pain relief. We recommend soft foods for about a week. Brampton patients typically see their final gum line settle within two to four weeks.
Does insurance cover gum contouring at Nanwood Dental?
Cosmetic gum contouring is typically not covered by dental insurance, since it's considered an elective procedure rather than a medically necessary treatment. Nanwood Dental in Brampton accepts Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, and Green Shield for other treatments, and our team can review your coverage options during a consultation.