Everyone has a unique gum line that makes their smile unique. If yours prevents you from smiling confidently, consider a gum lift. At Impressive Dental Care in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Lea Planzos, DMD, MS, Penny Planzos, DMD, MS, and Thomas Planzos, DMD, specialize in gum lift surgery. Their knowledge and expertise ensure that the process is quick, effective, and pain-free. To make an appointment, call the office today or book online.
What is a gum lift?
A gum lift is an outpatient procedure that changes the shape of your gumline. During treatment, your Impressive Dental Care provider contours your gums. If you have gum disease, they might recommend a gum graft to restore the receding or damaged tissue.
What does a gum lift involve?
Impressive Dental Care provides gum lifts on an outpatient basis. The treatment usually takes one visit.
Before starting, your provider reviews your dental records and asks about your goals. Then, they conduct an oral exam and take X-rays.
After gathering that information, your Impressive Dental Care provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic. They use a soft-tissue laser (or a similar tool) to carefully reshape your gumline.
If you have periodontal disease and a receding gumline, your Impressive Dental Care provider does gum surgery. During gum surgery, they remove a healthy piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and use it to restructure your gums. Usually, a gum lift takes one to two hours.*
Is a gum lift painful?
Gum lift procedures are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before your Impressive Dental Care provider reshapes your gum tissue, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic.
After surgery, you might experience swelling, bleeding, and sensitivity. How severe these side effects are will depend on how much of the gum tissue was reshaped and/or removed.
To relieve discomfort, Impressive Dental Care recommends taking anti-inflammatory medication. You should also apply an ice pack to your cheek several times a day for 15-20 minutes to reduce the swelling.
What is recovery like after a gum lift?
After a gum lift, rest for at least 24 hours. During that time, avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water. When the anesthesia wears off, your gums will feel sensitive and tender. Brush and floss more gently than usual and eat soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes.
Your mouth should heal completely within a week or two. If your symptoms continue or get worse, contact Impressive Dental Care right away.
To see if you’re a candidate for a gum lift, make an appointment at Impressive Dental Care by calling the office or booking online today.