Gum Contouring in West Hills
A smile can look "off" for reasons that have nothing to do with your teeth. When gum tissue covers too much of a tooth, sits unevenly from one side to the other, or makes otherwise healthy teeth look short, it can affect how freely you smile in photos, at work, or across the table from friends. For patients in West Hills who notice this every time they look in the mirror, gum contouring offers a practical, focused way to bring balance back to the smile. At 805 Dentistry, we perform this treatment as part of our periodontal care, and we're glad to welcome West Hills neighbors to our Thousand Oaks office.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that reshapes the gumline. It removes or sculpts excess gum tissue so more of each tooth is visible and the gumline follows a more even, natural-looking curve. Patients sometimes describe their concern as a "gummy smile," teeth that look too small, or a gumline that rises higher over one tooth than its neighbor. Contouring addresses the tissue itself rather than changing the teeth.
At our practice, this work falls under our periodontics services, and we have a board-certified periodontist on staff. That matters because gums are living tissue that support your teeth. Reshaping them well requires an understanding of both appearance and gum health. Related procedures we offer include gingivectomy and crown lengthening. We also provide laser dentistry. During your consultation, we'll explain which approach fits your situation and why.
West Hills patients come to us with a range of goals, and gum contouring can fit into many of them. Some want a single, targeted improvement. Others are planning a larger smile makeover. Common benefits include:
- A more balanced gumline from side to side
- Teeth that appear longer and better proportioned
- Less visible gum tissue when you smile
- A stronger foundation for other cosmetic work, such as porcelain veneers, composite bonding, or teeth whitening
Because 805 Dentistry is a general, family, and cosmetic practice, gum contouring doesn't have to happen in isolation. We offer Digital Smile Design, veneers, bonding, tooth recontouring, and in-office and take-home whitening, all in one place. Our on-site dental lab also supports coordinated cosmetic care. For busy West Hills families, having these services under one roof means fewer offices to juggle.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
You may be a good candidate if your gums are healthy and your main concern is how your gumline looks. The best way to know for sure is a consultation and exam. We'll look at how much tooth structure is covered, how your gums and lips frame your smile, and whether anything else needs attention first.
If we find signs of gum disease, we'll typically address that before any cosmetic reshaping. Our office provides gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance. We also accept patients without a referral for periodontal care, so you can contact us directly. Sometimes what looks like a gum issue involves tooth shape or position instead. In those cases, we can talk through options like orthodontics, clear aligners, or restorative work.
What happens during the procedure, and how should I care for my gums afterward?
The procedure itself is planned carefully around your smile. First, we review your goals and map out the new gumline. Then we numb the area to keep you comfortable before reshaping the tissue. If dental visits make you anxious, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. We also have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff.
Aftercare is usually straightforward, and we'll send you home with clear, personalized instructions. These generally cover how to brush and clean the treated area gently, what to eat while your gums heal, and when to return for follow-up. Healing timelines vary from person to person. If anything feels unusual, call us. Our office offers emergency dental appointments, so West Hills patients have support if questions come up between visits.
How can I pay for gum contouring?
We make payment as simple as possible by accepting all major PPO insurance plans, welcoming self-pay patients, and offering financing. Because gum contouring is often considered cosmetic, coverage depends on your specific plan and situation. We're happy to help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
Our periodontics services file insurance claims as a specialist. For patients paying out of pocket or spreading costs over time, financing can make treatment more manageable. We'll review your options during your consultation so there are no surprises. When you're ready to see what a more balanced gumline could look like, our team, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, looks forward to helping you and your family from West Hills.