Gum Contouring in Thousand Oaks
When teeth look short or square, or when the gumline sits higher on one tooth than its neighbor, the cause is often the gum tissue rather than the teeth. Gum contouring reshapes that tissue so more of each tooth shows and the gumline follows a more even, natural curve. At 805 Dentistry, we offer this treatment to patients in Thousand Oaks as part of our cosmetic and periodontal care. Planning, treatment, and follow-up all take place in one local office, so you don't have to coordinate care across several practices.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure that removes or reshapes small amounts of gum tissue to change how much tooth is visible and how the gumline is shaped. It is sometimes called gum reshaping. It is closely related to a gingivectomy, which also removes gum tissue. The goal is a smile where the teeth and gums look balanced with each other.
The procedure is part of our periodontal services, and we have a board-certified periodontist on staff. Periodontists specialize in the gums and the structures that support the teeth. That specialty knowledge matters when the goal is to change how gum tissue frames your smile. We also offer laser dentistry, and we will talk with you about the technique that suits your situation.
Gum contouring can address several cosmetic concerns. Patients usually come to us after noticing one of these issues in photos or in the mirror:
- A "gummy" smile, where a lot of gum tissue shows when you smile
- Teeth that look short or stubby because gum tissue covers part of them
- An uneven gumline, where one tooth's gum sits noticeably higher or lower than the others
- Gum shape that doesn't match planned cosmetic work, such as veneers or crowns
Contouring is often one part of a larger plan. Many of our Thousand Oaks patients combine it with other cosmetic treatments we provide, including porcelain veneers, composite bonding, in-office or take-home teeth whitening, and tooth recontouring. For a broader change, it may be included in a smile makeover or a digital smile design plan. Coordinating the gumline with these treatments helps the final result look cohesive.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
You may be a good candidate if your gums are healthy and the gum tissue itself is the reason you're unhappy with your smile. Healthy gums come first. If we find signs of gum disease during your exam, we recommend treating that before any cosmetic work. We offer gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance for that purpose.
Some situations call for a different approach. In some cases, extra gum and supporting tissue needs to be adjusted for functional reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a crown. In those cases, crown lengthening may be the more appropriate procedure, and we perform that as well. If your concern is gums that have pulled back and exposed too much tooth, contouring isn't the answer, and we may discuss gum grafting instead. Because we offer all of these treatments, we can recommend the one that fits your situation.
What happens during the gum contouring process?
The process starts with a consultation and exam, where we look at your gums, your teeth, and the overall shape of your smile. We offer 2D and 3D dental imaging, and we may use it to understand the structures beneath the gumline. We'll talk about the look you want and explain how much reshaping is realistic for your teeth.
On treatment day, the periodontist reshapes the gum tissue according to the plan we agreed on together. If you feel nervous about dental work, tell us. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers several comfort options: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Patients from Thousand Oaks and nearby communities like Newbury Park and Westlake Village can complete the whole visit in our office.
What should I expect during recovery and aftercare?
Expect your gums to need some time to heal, and we will give you aftercare instructions specific to your procedure before you go home. Follow those instructions closely, and contact our office if anything seems unusual while you heal. Because we are local to Thousand Oaks, getting back in for a follow-up visit is straightforward.
Over the long term, keeping your gums healthy helps protect your results. Regular dental cleanings and exams let us monitor your gumline and catch problems early. Many patients schedule these preventive visits with us, along with care for the rest of their family, since we see children and adults of all ages.
How can I pay for gum contouring?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Coverage for cosmetic procedures varies from plan to plan, so we suggest checking your benefits. Our team can help you understand your options before treatment begins.
Financing can spread the cost of treatment over time, which some patients find helpful when contouring is part of a larger cosmetic plan. At your consultation, we will go over the recommended treatment and your payment options. That way, you can make a decision with all the information in front of you.