Gum Contouring in Newbury Park
If you've ever covered your smile in photos because your teeth look short or your gums show more than you'd like, you're not alone. Many patients from Newbury Park come to us with that exact concern, and gum contouring is often the answer. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, our board-certified periodontist reshapes the gumline so your teeth look properly proportioned and your smile feels like your own again.
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure that adjusts the shape and position of your gumline. When excess gum tissue covers part of a tooth, it can make that tooth look small or "boxy." When the gumline is uneven, some teeth may appear longer than their neighbors. By carefully removing or sculpting tissue, we reveal more of the natural tooth and create a smoother, more balanced frame for your smile.
This procedure is closely related to treatments like gingivectomy and crown lengthening, both of which we also perform. Because periodontics is a specialty in our office, your gum contouring is planned and performed by a periodontist who focuses specifically on the health and appearance of gum tissue.
Newbury Park patients don't need a referral to see our periodontist. You can call us directly and schedule a consultation. That makes it simpler to get answers, especially if you've been wondering about your gumline for a while and aren't sure where to start.
We're also a full-service family practice, so gum contouring can fit into a larger plan when that makes sense. Some patients pair it with porcelain veneers, composite bonding, or teeth whitening as part of a smile makeover. We also offer digital smile design, which helps us map out how changes to your gumline and teeth can work together before treatment begins.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
You may be a good candidate if your gums are healthy and you're bothered by how your gumline looks. Common situations we see include:
- A "gummy smile," where a lot of gum tissue shows when you smile
- Teeth that look short because gum tissue covers part of them
- An uneven gumline that makes teeth appear different lengths
- Preparing the gumline before veneers, crowns, or other cosmetic work
Healthy gums come first. If we find signs of gum disease during your exam, we'll address that before any cosmetic work. Our office provides gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance, so you can take care of that in the same place. And if your concern turns out to be receding gums rather than excess tissue, our periodontist also performs gum grafting. We'll explain which approach fits your situation.
What happens during the procedure?
Gum contouring begins with a consultation and exam, where our periodontist looks at your gums, teeth, and smile line and talks with you about your goals. We'll explain what the procedure would involve for you and answer your questions before anything is scheduled.
On treatment day, we make sure you're comfortable before we begin. If dental visits make you anxious, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer several options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Our periodontist then reshapes the gum tissue, taking care to create a natural-looking, even line that suits your face and smile.
How do I care for my gums afterward?
Your gums need some gentle care while they heal, and we'll give you clear, personalized instructions before you leave. These usually cover how to brush and clean the area, what to eat in the first days, and how to handle any tenderness.
We'll also schedule follow-up visits so our periodontist can check your healing. After that, good daily brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings and exams, help keep your gums healthy and your results looking their best. Many Newbury Park families already see us for routine care, so staying on track is easy.
How can I pay for gum contouring?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team will help you understand what your plan may cover. Because gum contouring is often done for cosmetic reasons, coverage can vary. We'll review your benefits with you so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help you spread out the cost. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can make the decision that's right for you.
If you live in Newbury Park and have been thinking about changing your gumline, we'd be glad to meet you. Call 805 Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our periodontist and take the first step toward a smile you're happy to share.