The gum line differs from one person to another, so you will find someone who has a high gum line, another low, a third medium, and a fourth that is uneven, and some people feel shy, and sometimes even lack of self-confidence because of the appearance of the gums. Fortunately, many procedures have appeared to treat this problem, such as the process of cutting the gums that redraws, and sculpting the gums, and the dentist may also suggest them when there are problems affecting oral health, and in this article we will learn in more detail about this procedure, so read the following lines.

What is gingival clipping?

Gum recontouring or Gingivoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to reshape the shape of the gums, and it is one of the proposed treatment procedures for a gummy smile, which means the presence of gingival tissue covering most parts of the upper teeth.

Is gum cutting necessary?

Gum sculpting is a cosmetic procedure, meaning that it is an optional process in most cases, and is not considered a medical necessity, as patients undergo it to reshape the gums and improve the shape of the smile, but others undergo this process as a therapeutic part of other basic procedures to treat the gums, such as lengthening Crown, or pocket reduction on the gums, and regrowth of damaged bone.

Types of gum cutting

This surgery can be performed in different surgical ways, according to the doctor’s vision and the patient’s condition, and the operation is performed under local anesthesia, The dentist may use the following methods to sculpt the gums:

• Laser gum cutting: It is the most common and most accurate procedure, and a certain type of laser is used, with a certain power, and then directed to the gums to cut tissues near carefully selected areas so as not to cause bleeding, and laser is a better option because it reduces the feeling of discomfort after surgery, in addition to It helps kill bacteria on the teeth.
• Surgical cutting of the gums: In this procedure, a surgical scalpel is used to manually cut the gums.

In addition to being a cosmetic procedure, this procedure may be done after a gingivectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove and replace damaged gum tissue due to gum disease.

Gum cutting steps

This process takes place in the dentist’s office after undergoing several examinations, checking the condition of the gums and the condition of the patient, and the doctor chooses the most appropriate type accordingly. Then the following steps are taken:

• The dentist cleans the teeth from the accumulated tartar, if any.
• The doctor uses a plastic instrument to keep the mouth open throughout the procedure.
• The gums are anesthetized by local anesthesia.
• The doctor begins by cutting the gum tissue and forming it according to the requirements and needs of the patient.
• The doctor places bandages on the gums after completion.

In some cases of a slight gummy smile, Botox injections may be used along with the process of cutting the gums. Botox injections temporarily paralyze and relax the muscles of the upper lip, which completely treats the gummy smile and makes your smile more attractive.

Is cutting gums painful?

It is normal to feel discomfort after undergoing many dental procedures. During the operation itself, you will not feel any pain, thanks to local anesthesia, but after the end of the effect, you may feel uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure. How much that feels depends on the size of the gums that were reshaped during the procedure.

To control these symptoms, the doctor will prescribe some painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and it is not recommended to use aspirin because it may cause bleeding.

Your doctor may also advise you to apply cold compresses or ice packs to your mouth several times a day, for two days after surgery, to control swelling.

What to expect after the procedure

Post-operative recovery usually takes several days to weeks, depending on the operation itself. Depending on how you feel, you will be expected to stop doing some activities in the first couple of days. During these two days, it is normal to have sensitivity to certain foods or drinks, and the doctor may advise you to eat certain types of foods, and to stay away from others.

In addition to the above, follow-up visits must be adhered to after the procedure to check the health of the gums and monitor the healing process. The doctor will also prescribe medications such as antibiotics and rinses to reduce the possibility of infection.

Gingival damage

Like any other surgical procedure, gum sculpting has many potential risks. Which may include the following:

• Bleeding, which usually lasts 48 hours after the procedure.
• infection.
• Pain, feeling uncomfortable.

Long-term complications rarely occur. However, if there is severe bleeding that does not stop, worsening swelling at the operation site, swelling of the jaw, and unbearable severe pain, this may be a symptom of infection.

Instructions after cutting gums

There are many tips after cutting the gums with laser or surgery that the doctor will dictate to you to ensure the success of the operation and reduce complications and side effects. These tips include the following:

• Eat soft foods such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and some fruits and vegetables.
• Stay away from foods that irritate the gums, and hard foods that require a lot of chewing.
• Avoid smoking completely.
• Commitment to taking prescribed medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers in the prescribed doses.
• Use the mouthwash as your doctor tells you.
• Use compresses.

Consult your doctor first before consuming some types of beverages such as hot drinks and soda.