Gum Contouring in Woodland Hills
If you've ever covered your mouth mid-laugh because your smile shows more gum than you'd like, or noticed that a few teeth look shorter than their neighbors, you're far from alone. Many of the Woodland Hills patients we see aren't worried about pain or decay. They simply want a gumline that looks balanced and frames their teeth well. At 805 Dentistry, gum contouring is one of the ways we help with that. It's a gentle, precise procedure performed by the board-certified periodontist on our team.
Gum contouring, sometimes called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that adjusts the shape and height of your gum tissue. When gums sit too low on the teeth or follow an uneven line, teeth can look small, square, or mismatched even when they're perfectly healthy. By carefully reshaping the tissue, we can reveal more of each tooth's natural surface and create a smoother, more even curve along your smile.
Because the procedure involves the soft tissue that supports your teeth, we believe it belongs in the hands of a gum specialist. Our board-certified periodontist performs cosmetic gum contouring alongside related treatments like gingivectomy, crown lengthening, and gum grafting. Your plan is shaped by someone who understands both how your gums look and how they function.
Patients from Woodland Hills come to us for gum contouring for several distinct reasons. Understanding which one fits you helps us recommend the right approach:
- A "gummy" smile: Excess gum tissue makes teeth appear short, and the gums dominate the smile.
- An uneven gumline: One or two teeth sit higher or lower than the rest, which throws off the symmetry of the smile.
- Changes after orthodontics: Once braces or clear aligners have moved teeth into place, the gumline sometimes needs refinement to match.
- Part of a larger makeover: Contouring can be the foundation for porcelain veneers, composite bonding, crowns, or whitening.
In some cases, what looks like a cosmetic concern also has a functional side. For example, a tooth may need more exposed structure before a crown can be placed. We also offer crown lengthening, which can be planned together with contouring when both are needed.
Am I a good candidate for gum contouring?
You may be a good candidate if your gums are healthy and you'd like to change how much tissue shows when you smile. The best way to know for sure is a consultation, where we examine your gums, teeth, and bite and talk through what you hope to see.
If we find signs of gum disease, we'll address that first, since healthy tissue is essential before any reshaping. Our office provides scaling and root planing, gum disease treatment, and periodontal maintenance. We also use Digital Smile Design to help you visualize your goals before treatment begins. And because our periodontics office accepts patients without a referral, Woodland Hills residents can schedule directly with us.
What happens during the procedure?
Gum contouring is usually done in a single office visit. Your periodontist numbs the area to keep you comfortable, then removes or reshapes small amounts of tissue following the plan we agreed on. Our practice offers laser dentistry, which may be used depending on your needs, and we'll explain the technique we recommend for your situation.
If dental visits make you anxious, you don't have to simply push through. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We'll talk with you about which option, if any, fits your comfort level and health history.
What is recovery and aftercare like?
Most patients find recovery manageable. We'll send you home with clear, personalized instructions for the days after treatment. These typically include guidance on gentle brushing, foods to choose while your gums heal, and how to keep the area clean.
We'll also schedule a follow-up to check your healing and make sure your new gumline is settling in as planned. Over the long term, regular cleanings and exams help protect both your results and your overall gum health. Since we're a one-stop practice for the whole family, those visits can happen right here alongside the rest of your dental care.
How can I pay for gum contouring?
We make payment as straightforward as possible. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Because gum contouring is often considered cosmetic, coverage varies. Our team will help you understand what your plan may contribute before treatment begins.
Financing is also available, so you can spread the cost into manageable payments rather than paying everything at once. During your consultation, we'll review your options openly and help you choose the path that works for you. If you live in Woodland Hills and have been thinking about a more balanced smile, we'd be glad to meet you, answer your questions, and help you decide whether gum contouring is right for you.