Cosmetic laser gum treatment, also known as gum re-contouring, is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Your gums, like your teeth, can either enhance or detract from your smile. Excessive gum tissue can make teeth appear small or misshapen, and can also make a smile simply look less appealing. Alone or as part of a complete smile makeover, laser gum treatment can reshape your gums, allowing them to ideally complement your smile.
Advanced Techniques with Laser Dentistry
Gummy smiles have traditionally been addressed through tissue removal with a scalpel. However, the use of surgical instruments for this procedure can be both invasive and risky. To help increase safety and produce optimal results, the cosmetic dentists at Hardin Advanced Dentistry have chosen to use laser technology to perfectly contour gum tissue.
Lasers offer a number of advantages over metal surgical instruments. Benefits of laser gum treatment include:
- Precision – Lasers give Dr. Tara Hardin complete control over the amount of tissue being removed, allowing her to produce optimal contours
- Comfort – Unlike surgical tools that scrape tissue away, lasers gently evaporate unnecessary tissue, often eliminating the need for even topical anesthetic
- Safety – Lasers cauterize as they remove tissue, reducing bleeding and eliminating the need for sutures. In addition, lasers kill bacteria, reducing your risk for infection
Although laser gum treatment is much gentler than the removal of tissue with metal instruments, you may still need to allow for a small recovery period. We will discuss this with you in greater detail during your initial cosmetic dentistry consultation.
If excessive gum tissue is detracting from your smile, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry online or call (513) 398-4448 today to schedule your initial consultation with one of our Mason, Ohio cosmetic dentists. Serving Mason and Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and SE Indiana.
Laser Gum Treatment FAQ's
Why do I have a gummy smile?
There are many reasons for having a gummy smile.
- Medications: anti-epileptic (dilantin), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine) and calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, nifedipine)
- Following braces removal, especially if spaces were closed down from the beginning of treatment
- Gums are an unhealthy reddish purple from inflammation due to poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and faulty dentistry
- A variation in the skeletal development of the upper jaw (maxilla)
- A hyperactive upper lip mobility
Will this work for a gummy smile?
In most of the above cases, yes! Those who show too much gum when they smile are great candidates for laser gum treatment, also known as a gum lift, gum re-contouring, crown lengthening, or tooth elongation. If you show a lot of gum and your teeth appear stubby looking, you’ll be amazed at the results.
Does the procedure hurt?
Like many dental procedures, you will be anesthetized locally so you do not feel anything. After the numbing wears off in a few hours, your gums will be a little sore and tender. A specialized mouth rinse and ibuprofen will be taken following the procedure. In a couple days you will feel near back to normal.
Why should I get this treatment?
This is one of the more satisfying and impactful before and after treatments for both the dental team and the patient. It is very sudden so you will notice a huge difference immediately after the procedure. You will not only look great, but removal of excess tissue will help your overall gum health. If you think you may need this, now is the time to give us a call for your consultation.
Why choose
Dr. Tara Hardin?
Dr. Hardin is a Las Vegas Institute Fellow, granted only after a minimum of 278 hours of advanced education and experience in aesthetics, physiologic science, and a comprehensive practical examination. Additionally, she is an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an accreditation granted only to those with superior performance and knowledge in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. These qualifications are compounded by almost two decades of experience and continued education.
Learn more about Dr. Hardin
Patient
Testimonials
What convinced me to try Hardin Dental, was that she not only emphasizes your smile, but also the health of my teeth.
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Now I smile with confidence and I have people telling me my teeth look beautiful.
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My experience at Hardin was nothing but positive. Dr. Tara Hardin made me feel very comfortable and important.
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The best thing about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is that Dr. Tara Hardin is just a perfectionist with what she does in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
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Hardin Dentistry is very professional and makes us feel extremely comfortable.
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I had a great experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry.
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My experience at Hardin Advanced Dentistry has been wonderful.
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The thing that I like most about Hardin Advanced Dentistry is the professionalism and timeliness of her staff, and the outcome of the work that was performed on my teeth.
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Amazing dentist and staff and the best work ever! I highly recommend this place!
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From the initial phone call to my appointment, everyone treated me very kindly. I couldn't have asked for more as a patient. Thank you all for everything.
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I am so glad I am a patient here! It is a great feeling to have my "repairs" completed and now I am just in "maintenance mode with a clean bill of health at every check-up!"
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Everyone is always so pleasant and every visit is a great experience.
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Everything went very smoothly and they were very comforting and eased my worries.
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I give them 5 stars!
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Dr. Tara and her staff are the best. Organized, efficient, gentle, thorough, and very skilled are just a few of the adjectives that I would use to describe my experience.
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Best dental office ever. Dr Tara is one of the most knowledgeable dentists I've ever known.
