Gum contouring procedure and recovery
Gum contouring reshapes excess gum tissue around teeth, usually with a soft-tissue laser or surgical instrument, followed by brief healing.
The short answer
Gum contouring removes or reshapes excess gingival tissue to change the gum line or expose more of a tooth crown.
Why can gums make teeth look short or uneven?
A high or uneven gum margin can make teeth look short, while gum overgrowth can partly cover a crown. The procedure changes soft tissue only; it does not lengthen the tooth root or automatically correct an altered bone level.
What happens during a gum contouring appointment?
The dentist maps the proposed gum line, numbs the area with local anaesthetic, removes measured tissue, and smooths the margin before checking symmetry. Afterward, follow the cleaning instructions, choose soft foods, and avoid disturbing the treated edge while it heals.
When should excess gum tissue be examined?
Arrange an examination if excess gum tissue is changing your smile, trapping food, bleeding, or making brushing difficult. Contact the treating clinic promptly for persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, fever, worsening pain, or a wound that is not improving.
What should you ask about uneven gum contours?
Ask whether the unevenness comes from gum tissue, tooth position, or the underlying bone, and whether orthodontic or restorative treatment is also needed. Ask how much tissue will be removed, how the margin will be protected, and what recovery instructions apply to your teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Can gum contouring fix a gummy smile?
It can reduce excess gingival display when the cause is suitable soft tissue, but other causes may need a different treatment.
Does gum contouring change the teeth?
It changes the gum outline; it does not reshape the enamel unless a separate dental procedure is planned.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.