Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum Contouring in Reston, VA
A balanced gumline that frames your teeth.
Gentle laser reshaping for a gummy or uneven smile, and gum grafting where gums have receded, so your teeth and gums sit in better proportion.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring in Reston, VA: laser gum reshaping for a gummy or uneven smile, laser crown lengthening and gum grafting for receded gums.
Reshape the frame around your teeth
Gum contouring, also known as cosmetic gum surgery, reshapes the gumline to improve the look of your smile. Most often it removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of each tooth, which addresses a gummy smile or an uneven gumline and can make teeth look longer and more proportionate. It can also add tissue where gums have receded, which protects exposed tooth roots as well as improving appearance. Dr. Kiumars Karbasi reshapes the gumline with a gentle laser, which gives precise and comfortable results. When receding gums call for a graft, periodontist Dr. Hazem Saqqal provides gum care in the same office.
Three ways we contour gums
- Laser gummy smile treatmentA precise laser removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth, reducing a gummy smile without traditional surgery.
- Laser crown lengtheningReshapes both gum tissue and the bone beneath it to expose more tooth structure. It is often used to prepare teeth for veneers or crowns, so they fit well and look natural.
- Gum graftingDonor tissue is attached where gums have pulled away from the teeth. A graft improves the look of your smile and protects exposed roots from decay and sensitivity.
What contouring can change
- ProportionA more balanced gum-to-tooth ratio.
- EvennessUneven gumlines corrected.
- LengthTeeth that look longer and more proportionate.
- ProtectionGum tissue restored where it was lost to disease.
Comfort during and after
Gum contouring is typically performed under local anesthesia, which minimizes pain during the procedure. You may have some discomfort and swelling in the days that follow, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The laser itself is a gentler instrument for soft tissue, and many patients find it means less bleeding. If gum disease is part of the picture, gum disease treatment comes first.
Planning your new gumline
- A consultation about the look you want
- A check of your gum and bone health
- Laser reshaping, crown lengthening or a graft
- Local anesthesia for your comfort
- Veneers or crowns afterward, if they are planned
Part of a bigger plan?
Gum contouring often pairs with porcelain veneers or a full smile makeover. Read about the laser we use on our technology page, and meet periodontist Dr. Hazem Saqqal.
The short answer
Gum contouring, also called cosmetic gum surgery, is a procedure that reshapes the gumline to improve the appearance of a smile. It usually removes excess gum tissue with a precise laser under local anesthesia, and it can also add donor tissue where gums have receded or reshape gum and bone in laser crown lengthening. It suits a gummy smile, an uneven gumline or receded gums, and can make teeth look longer and more proportionate.
Gum contouring FAQ
- What is cosmetic gum surgery?
- Cosmetic gum surgery, also known as gum contouring, is a dental procedure that reshapes the gumline for esthetic purposes. It typically removes excess gum tissue to expose more of each tooth, which addresses a gummy smile or uneven gumlines. It can also add gum tissue where recession has occurred. Either way, the goal is a more balanced and attractive smile.
- Is cosmetic gum surgery uncomfortable?
- Cosmetic gum surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which minimizes pain during the procedure. You may have some discomfort and swelling in the days after, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report that any pain is mild and subsides within a week. Laser reshaping is a gentler option for soft tissue.
- How much does cosmetic gum surgery cost?
- The cost of cosmetic gum surgery varies widely based on several factors, including which procedure you need. Your dentist discusses what you can expect to pay during your consultation. Because it is a cosmetic procedure, our front desk can check your benefits with your insurer before treatment. Third-party financing options are also available.
- What is a gummy smile treatment?
- A gummy smile treatment uses a precise laser to remove excess gum tissue and reveal more of your natural teeth. It reshapes the gumline to create a more balanced ratio between your teeth and gums. Because it uses a laser, it reduces a gummy smile without the need for traditional surgery. The laser gives precise and comfortable results.
- What is laser crown lengthening?
- Laser crown lengthening reshapes both gum tissue and the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth. It is often used to prepare teeth for cosmetic procedures such as veneers or crowns. Exposing more tooth structure helps the restoration fit well and look natural. We explain whether it suits your case during planning.
- What does gum grafting do?
- Gum grafting covers areas where gums have receded by attaching donor tissue where the gums have pulled away from the teeth. It improves the look of your smile and protects exposed tooth roots from decay and sensitivity. Grafts can also help protect teeth from further recession. Periodontist Dr. Hazem Saqqal provides gum grafting in the same office.
Book a visit
Start your smile journey.
Hours
Google reviews
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
Aetna · CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield · Cigna · Delta Dental · BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental · Guardian · MetLife
Financing through Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.