A balanced gum line plays a key role in the appearance of your smile. When gums sit too high, too low, or unevenly across your teeth, it can distract from an otherwise healthy set of teeth. Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, is a procedure designed to correct these issues and enhance the look of your smile. Many people considering this treatment wonder about one main concern: pain. If you are considering gum contouring, read on to learn more about what you can expect.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Gum contouring is performed under local anesthesia, which means the gums are numbed before the dentist begins. Because of this, you should not feel pain while the procedure is happening. Traditionally, the reshaping was done using a scalpel, but modern techniques often involve dental lasers. Lasers are now preferred in many cases because they reduce bleeding and speed up the healing process. No matter which method is used, patients are kept comfortable during treatment.
Discomfort After Treatment
Once the anesthesia wears off, some level of discomfort is normal. The amount of soreness you feel can depend on whether a scalpel or a laser was used. Laser treatment usually results in less irritation and quicker recovery, but mild pain and swelling are still common. Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable rather than severe.
Managing Pain at Home
If you feel sore after your procedure, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. Aspirin should be avoided, since it can thin the blood and lead to additional bleeding. Many patients find that pain is minimal and improves steadily over the course of a few days.
In addition to medication, you can make adjustments at home to help keep discomfort under control. Soft foods such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, and pasta are easier to eat and less likely to irritate healing gums. Crunchy or hard foods should be avoided until your dentist advises otherwise, since they can aggravate the tissue and slow recovery.
The Role of Rest in Healing
Rest is also an important part of the recovery process. Physical strain, heavy lifting, or intense workouts can increase blood flow to the surgical area, which may worsen swelling and prolong healing. Taking it easy for the first few days helps ensure a smoother recovery.
How Long Does Healing Take?
Recovery times vary depending on the extent of reshaping and your body’s healing response. In general, discomfort improves within the first several days and continues to fade over one to two weeks. For many patients, tenderness subsides much sooner. If you notice pain that intensifies instead of improving, or if you experience unusual bleeding, it is important to contact your dentist for follow-up care.
What’s the bottom line?
Gum contouring is not a painful procedure thanks to local anesthesia, and discomfort afterward is usually mild and temporary. By following your dentist’s recommendations, using over-the-counter medication as needed, and giving your gums time to heal, you can expect a manageable recovery and a smile that looks more even and natural.