Gum Contouring/Reshaping in Bellingham

Initial Consultation and Assessment for Gum Contouring

The first step in your gum contouring journey at London Dental Specialists is a comprehensive consultation and assessment. This crucial appointment allows our expert dentists to evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if gum contouring is the right solution for you.

During this initial visit, you can expect:

• Thorough oral examination: Our dentists will carefully assess your teeth, gums, and overall oral health to ensure you're a suitable candidate for the procedure.


• Discussion of your concerns: We'll listen to your specific concerns about your smile and gum appearance, whether it's a 'gummy smile' or uneven gum line.


• Review of medical history: We'll go through your medical history to identify any potential risks or contraindications.


• Digital imaging: High-resolution photos and X-rays may be taken to provide a detailed view of your gum and tooth structure.


• Treatment planning: Based on the examination and your goals, we'll create a personalised treatment plan for your gum contouring procedure.


• Cost and timeline discussion: We'll provide a clear breakdown of the expected costs and treatment timeline.

This initial consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the procedure. Our team at London Dental Specialists is committed to ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with any treatment.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

To make the most of your initial consultation, please bring:

• A list of any medications you're currently taking


• Your dental insurance information (if applicable)


• Any recent dental X-rays or records from previous dentists


• A list of questions or concerns you have about gum contouring

Remember, this consultation is the foundation for your gum contouring treatment. It's an essential step in achieving the balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile you desire. Our experienced team at London Dental Specialists is dedicated to providing you with the highest standard of care throughout your gum contouring journey.

Customised Gum Contouring Treatment Plan

Following your initial consultation, our expert dentists at London Dental Specialists will create a personalised gum contouring treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals. This comprehensive plan forms the foundation of your gum reshaping journey.

Key Components of Your Custom Treatment Plan

• Detailed gum analysis: Using advanced imaging technology, we'll map out your current gum line and identify areas that require reshaping.


• Treatment objectives: We'll clearly outline the specific goals of your gum contouring procedure, such as correcting a gummy smile or evening out an uneven gum line.


• Procedure specifics: Your plan will detail the exact areas to be treated and the extent of gum tissue to be removed or reshaped.


• Technology selection: We'll determine whether traditional scalpel techniques or advanced laser technology is best suited for your procedure.


• Anaesthesia options: Based on your comfort level and the extent of the procedure, we'll recommend the most appropriate form of anaesthesia.


• Timeline: Your plan will include the expected duration of the procedure and any follow-up appointments.

Pre-Treatment Preparations

To ensure the best possible outcome, your treatment plan may include:

• Oral hygiene instructions: Specific guidelines to follow in the days leading up to your procedure.


• Medication adjustments: Recommendations for any changes to your current medications, if necessary.


• Dietary guidelines: Any food or drink restrictions before the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care Plan

Your customised plan will also outline:

• Recovery timeline: What to expect in the days and weeks following your gum contouring procedure.


• Pain management: Recommendations for managing any discomfort during the healing process.


• Oral care instructions: Specific guidelines for maintaining your newly contoured gums.


• Follow-up appointments: A schedule for post-procedure check-ups to monitor your healing progress.

At London Dental Specialists, we believe that a well-crafted, individualised treatment plan is crucial for achieving optimal results in gum contouring. Our team is committed to ensuring you fully understand every aspect of your upcoming procedure, fostering confidence and peace of mind as you embark on your smile transformation journey.

Gum Contouring/Reshaping Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our gum contouring and reshaping procedures are designed to enhance your smile by carefully sculpting your gum line. This minimally invasive treatment can correct a 'gummy smile', uneven gum lines, or expose more of your natural tooth structure for a balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The Gum Contouring Process

Our expert dentists use advanced techniques to ensure your comfort and achieve optimal results:

• Local anaesthesia: We begin by administering a local anaesthetic to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure.


• Precision laser technology: In most cases, we use state-of-the-art dental lasers for gum contouring. This technology offers greater precision, minimal bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional scalpel techniques.


• Gum reshaping: Our dentists carefully remove or reshape excess gum tissue, following the customised treatment plan created for your unique smile.


• Symmetry check: Throughout the procedure, we continually assess the symmetry and aesthetics of your gum line to ensure a balanced result.

Duration and Comfort

The gum contouring procedure at London Dental Specialists typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of reshaping required. Thanks to our use of local anaesthesia and advanced laser technology, most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the treatment.

Immediate Results

One of the benefits of gum contouring is that you'll see immediate improvements to your smile. As soon as the procedure is complete, you'll notice a more balanced gum line and improved tooth-to-gum ratio.

Post-Procedure Care

After your gum contouring treatment, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions:

• Oral hygiene: We'll guide you on how to gently clean the treated area to promote healing and prevent infection.


• Diet recommendations: We advise on foods to avoid in the days following your procedure to ensure optimal healing.


• Pain management: If needed, we may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter pain relief to manage any post-procedure discomfort.

Follow-Up Appointments

To monitor your healing progress and ensure the best possible outcome, we schedule follow-up appointments at appropriate intervals. These check-ups allow us to assess your gum health and address any concerns you may have.

At London Dental Specialists, our gum contouring and reshaping procedures are tailored to each patient's unique needs. We combine technical expertise with an artistic eye to create harmonious, natural-looking results that enhance your overall smile aesthetics.

Post Gum Contouring/Reshaping Treatment Care

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing following your gum contouring procedure at London Dental Specialists. The first 24-48 hours after treatment are particularly crucial for ensuring the best possible results and minimizing discomfort.

After your gum reshaping treatment, our dental team will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions that include:

• Pain management: Mild discomfort is normal and typically subsides within a few days. We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol to manage any tenderness.


• Swelling reduction: Applying cold compresses to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals can help reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.


• Dietary guidelines: Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that might irritate your healing gums.


• Oral hygiene modifications: You'll need to clean the treated area gently to prevent infection while allowing proper healing.

Recovery Timeline

Understanding what to expect during your recovery helps ensure a smooth healing process:

• First 24-48 hours: You may experience some tenderness and minor bleeding. This is completely normal.


• 3-7 days: Most visible swelling should subside, and discomfort should significantly decrease.


• 7-14 days: Your gums will continue to heal and adapt to their new contours.


• 2-3 weeks: Complete healing typically occurs, revealing your final results.

Follow-Up Appointments

We'll schedule a follow-up appointment approximately one week after your procedure to assess your healing progress. During this visit, our dentists will:

• Examine your gums to ensure proper healing


• Address any concerns you might have


• Provide additional care recommendations if needed


• Take photographs to document your results

Long-Term Care

The results of gum contouring are typically permanent, as the removed gum tissue doesn't grow back. To maintain your newly contoured gumline and overall oral health:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent gum disease and recession.


• Attend regular dental check-ups: Visit London Dental Specialists every six months for professional cleanings and examinations.


• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and other tobacco use can compromise gum health and healing.


• Consider a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can protect both your teeth and gums.

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to supporting you throughout your entire gum contouring experience. Our team remains available to answer any questions or address concerns that may arise during your recovery period. Your satisfaction with both the treatment process and final results is our highest priority.