Gum Contouring in Agoura Hills
You smile in a photo and notice that your teeth look short, or that more gum shows than you'd like. Maybe one tooth looks taller than its neighbor because the gumline sits unevenly. These are some of the most common reasons patients from Agoura Hills ask us about gum contouring. It's a cosmetic periodontal procedure that reshapes the gumline so your teeth and gums look more balanced. At 805 Dentistry, a board-certified periodontist on our team performs this treatment. That means you can have a specialist-level procedure without searching for a separate office.
Gum contouring is a procedure that changes the shape and position of the gumline. When gum tissue covers too much of a tooth's surface, we carefully remove or reshape the excess. This reveals more of the natural tooth and creates a smoother, more even line along your smile. In other cases, the goal is simply to correct an uneven gumline so that neighboring teeth appear more consistent in height.
This treatment is closely related to other periodontal procedures we offer, including gingivectomy and crown lengthening. Our periodontist will explain which approach fits your situation. Sometimes contouring is purely cosmetic. Other times it overlaps with a restorative need, such as exposing more tooth structure before a crown is placed.
Agoura Hills patients often come to us because we bring many types of care together in one practice. We describe ourselves as a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental needs. Along with periodontics, our offices provide general, cosmetic, orthodontic, and sedation services. That matters for gum contouring, because many patients pair it with other cosmetic work, such as porcelain veneers, composite bonding, teeth whitening, or a full smile makeover.
Having an on-site dental lab and a board-certified periodontist on staff helps us coordinate these steps under one roof. You don't need a referral to see our periodontist. Our team, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, works with patients throughout the area, from Agoura Hills to Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas, and beyond.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
You may be a good candidate if excess or uneven gum tissue affects how your smile looks and your gums are otherwise healthy. Common situations include:
- A "gummy" smile, where a lot of gum shows when you smile
- Teeth that look short or boxy because gum tissue covers part of them
- An uneven gumline, where some teeth appear taller than others
- Planning for veneers, crowns, or bonding, where a more even gumline improves the final result
Gum health comes first. If we find signs of gum disease during your exam, we'll recommend addressing it before any cosmetic reshaping. Options include scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment.
We'll also look at the overall picture of your smile. In some cases, contouring alone gives the look you want. In others, our periodontist may suggest combining it with other treatments. Some patients also need a different periodontal approach, such as gum grafting when gums have receded rather than overgrown.
What happens during the procedure and recovery?
The procedure starts with a consultation and exam, then moves to the reshaping itself. At your first visit, we'll evaluate your gums and teeth and talk through your goals. When needed, we use digital imaging to help plan treatment. We'll show you which areas of the gumline we plan to adjust so you know what to expect.
On treatment day, we numb the area to keep you comfortable. If you feel anxious about dental care, our team includes a board-certified dental anesthesiologist. Sedation options range from nitrous oxide and oral sedation to IV sedation. After treatment, we'll give you specific aftercare instructions. They typically cover gentle brushing around the treated area, food choices while your gums heal, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Following these instructions closely supports healthy healing. Call us with any questions along the way.
How can I pay for gum contouring?
We offer several ways to pay, including PPO insurance, self-pay, and financing. Because gum contouring is often considered cosmetic, insurance coverage varies. When the procedure is part of a restorative or periodontal treatment plan, your plan may handle it differently. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
For patients without insurance, we welcome self-pay. Financing is also available to help spread the cost into manageable payments. We'll walk you through your options during your consultation, so you can make a decision that works for your budget. If you're in Agoura Hills and ready to talk about your gumline, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a visit with our periodontal team.