How Laser Dentistry Can Treat a "Gummy" Smile

Laser technology has transformed a number of health care verticals, and dentistry is no exception. Today, dentists use lasers for everything from cavity treatment to scaling and root planing, which addresses gum disease. 

Laser dentistry also gives you the means to address cosmetic issues. For example, Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team can apply our laser expertise to correct your gummy smile. If you’re bothered by the amount of gum you show when you flash a smile, don’t hesitate to talk to our team at either of our Riverside Dental offices in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York.

Correcting your gummy smile

Treatment to remove excess gum tissue isn’t necessarily new. The difference is that Dr. Master-Patel can use a laser rather than a scalpel to give you your ideal smile with less downtime and a lower risk of complications. 

With laser gum surgery, she can contour the soft tissue of your gums, raising your gumline so your smile shows more teeth and less gum. The specialized soft tissue laser she uses kills bacteria as it works while stimulating your body’s healing processes. This lowers your risk for infection after treatment while also minimizing your downtime. 

Plus, using a laser rather than a scalpel to correct a gummy smile keeps inflammation down. That inflammation could mask your final gumline, making it difficult for your dentist to provide the detailed contouring you deserve. 

What to expect during and after laser treatment

Before getting started, Dr. Master-Patel talks with you about your cosmetic and oral health goals. Then she personalizes a plan for you. 

While some patients can get laser treatment right away, Dr. Master-Patel recommends that others first address any gum disease. If your gums are inflamed from gingivitis or periodontitis, it can interfere with the results of your treatment.

When Dr. Master-Patel clears you for treatment, she uses the laser to sculpt your gums. And don’t worry — she applies a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable as she works. During your treatment, the laser trims away excess gum tissue while cauterizing the treated area, limiting bleeding, risk for infection, and post-treatment discomfort.

While traditional gummy smile treatment often required months of downtime, your recovery should be brief with laser treatment. Dr. Master-Patel gives you aftercare instructions to help you avoid infection while speeding your recovery process along. 

If you’re bothered by a gummy smile, talk to our team. Dr. Master-Patel can create a personalized plan to help you move toward your dream smile while protecting your oral health. To explore your laser treatment options, call our office nearest you or book your appointment online today.