Cosmetic Periodontics · Washington DC
Excess or uneven gum tissue can make teeth look short, uneven, or out of proportion. Gum contouring precisely reshapes your gumline to reveal a balanced, natural smile.
The Procedure
A "gummy smile" or uneven gumline affects how your teeth appear, regardless of their actual size or shape. Gum contouring removes or reshapes excess tissue to expose more of the tooth surface and create a uniform, symmetrical gumline.
At DC Pearls, we use soft-tissue laser technology for this procedure. The laser seals tissue as it works, which means less bleeding, faster healing, and more precise control than traditional surgical methods.
Common Reasons for Gum Contouring
How It Works
We examine your gumline and digitally map the ideal contour. You preview the planned reshaping before any work begins.
Under local anesthesia, a soft-tissue laser precisely removes excess gum tissue. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, minimizing bleeding and eliminating the need for sutures.
Results are visible immediately. The gumline settles into its final shape within 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to normal activity the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment area is fully numbed with local anesthesia. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain relievers for 1 to 2 days.
Yes. Gum tissue does not grow back after it has been removed. The results are permanent. In rare cases, gum tissue can shift slightly over time due to other factors like periodontal disease, which is why maintaining good oral hygiene is important.
Most gum contouring sessions are completed in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are involved. It is a single-visit procedure with no follow-up surgery required.
When performed for cosmetic reasons only, gum contouring is typically not covered by insurance. However, when it is medically necessary (for example, as preparation for a crown), some plans may cover a portion. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment.
Ready?
Schedule an evaluation. We will assess your gumline and walk you through what gum contouring can do for your smile.