Laser Gum Lift Cairns
Do you feel you show too much gum when you smile?
At Future Dental, we have helped many patients that suffered from a gummy smile and who can now smile whole heartedly without worrying about the appearance of their smile.
A gummy smile occurs when:
- The teeth look very short (apart from shortening through wear and bruxism) and with a flat gum line.
- Where the jaw bone and gum over the top is very prominent.
- Certain medications can also cause gum overgrowth like Dilantin for Epilepsy.
- Hyperactivity of that particular facial muscle that lifts the lip.
In those cases where the facial muscle that elevates the top lip is too strong, a simple injection of the same muscle relaxant we use for other cosmetic treatments is given on each side. This reduces the pull on that muscle and allows the lip to sit more naturally over the teeth and eliminates the gummy smile for probably four months or so.
During this treatment, a muscle relaxant is injected into the overactive muscles, reducing the elevation of the upper lip and creating a beautiful, more symmetrical smile. This is a virtually painless procedure that can be undertaken in around 10 minutes, and patients can return to normal activity immediately.
Regrettably this procedure may need to be done a number of times over a year or more to tone that muscle down. Occasionally we also need to combine this treatment with the laser gum lift procedure to achieve optimal results.
Laser Gum Lift
Before laser dentistry, treating a gummy smile could be a painful procedure that involved stitches and a lengthy recovery. Thanks to laser gingivoplasty, Future Dental can reduce your gummy smile and allow normal full-length teeth to be shown – and the whole operation can happen under a local anaesthetic. Crowns or veneers are used often with this treatment to create that beautiful smile.
Laser gum contouring is a virtually pain-free treatment that uses a (Unique Dual Action Soft and Hard Tissue ErCrYSGG) Laser to remove excess gum tissue. This procedure is highly effective as the laser re-seals the soft tissue of the mouth almost immediately; creating a bloodless procedure that heals within a few days.
If the line of the gums over your front teeth is not symmetrical, sometimes just a small gum lift over individual teeth can make a big difference to your smile. A local anaesthetic is used and the procedure is done quickly with no bleeding after and usually with no discomfort. Within a few days, you can have your crowns or veneers prepared if you require them.
As with any cosmetic dental treatment it is important that you maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Not only will regular check-ups be good for your overall oral health but Dr Gibbins can ensure that your gums have healed properly.
Cosmetic Gingivoplasty
- This procedure is done in a single visit and may be done on a single tooth or more commonly on a number of teeth.
- All are done in a single appointment under Local Anaesthetic
- We use a Laser to very neatly sculpt the gum tissue to create a harmony between gum display and tooth length.
- There is no bleeding after the procedure and minimal discomfort.
- A little care brushing is required for the following week and avoidance of eating food that requires really hard biting off of hard food items.
- On completion of a full course of Orthodontic Treatment, the alignment of the edges of teeth is the most desirable outcome, but at times this comes with an unevenness of the gum alignment. Cosmetic Gingivoplasty is sometimes required and is not included as part of the initial cost of Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of laser gum surgery?
Laser gum surgery, also known as laser periodontal therapy, offers several benefits over traditional gum surgery methods, including:
- Less invasive: Laser gum surgery is less invasive than traditional gum surgery, which means less pain, swelling, and bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Faster healing time: Because laser gum surgery is less invasive, the healing time is typically faster, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner.
- More precise: Laser gum surgery is more precise than traditional gum surgery, allowing for targeted treatment of specific areas without affecting the surrounding tissue.
- Reduced risk of infection: Laser gum surgery uses high-energy light to sterilise the treatment area, which reduces the risk of infection and promotes faster healing.
- Better long-term results: Laser gum surgery can produce better long-term results than traditional gum surgery, as it can stimulate tissue regeneration and promote the growth of healthy gum tissue.
Overall, laser gum surgery is a safe and effective method for treating gum disease that offers several advantages over traditional gum surgery methods. It is important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine if laser gum surgery is the best treatment option for your specific oral health needs.
How do I prepare for laser gum surgery?
To prepare for laser gum surgery, you should maintain good oral hygiene, avoid certain medications, fast if required, arrange for transportation, and plan to take time off from work or school for recovery. Consult with your dentist for specific instructions and to address any concerns or questions you may have.
What foods should you avoid after laser treatment?
After laser gum treatment, it is best to avoid certain foods that can irritate the treated area or interfere with healing. These foods may include:
- Spicy or acidic foods: These foods can cause discomfort and irritation to the treated area.
- Hard or crunchy foods: Foods like nuts, chips, and hard candies can be difficult to chew and may damage the treated area.
- Hot foods and beverages: Hot foods and beverages can increase inflammation and may cause discomfort.
- Alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Sticky or chewy foods: Foods like caramel or chewing gum can stick to the treated area and interfere with healing.
It is best to stick to a soft, bland diet in the days following laser gum treatment to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Your dentist will provide specific post-treatment instructions based on your individual needs and the type of laser treatment you received.
