Understanding gum lift - a modern cosmetic dentistry procedure

A gum lift is a procedure that can be performed by cosmetic dentist on patients with gum recession, gingival exposure, and/or exposed tooth root. Gum contouring usually refers to creating a smooth surface on the exposed tooth root by removing some of the cementum and exposing more dentin layer. 

Gum lift surgery is used to raise the gum tissue to increase the amount of visible enamel. This procedure can also help improve your bite by allowing your teeth to line up better with one another and eliminating issues caused by bone loss or receding gums. In addition, a dental procedure known as a bone graft is usually performed simultaneously to restore lost tissues and prevent further bone loss. 

A gum lift can also be utilized as a pre-procedure to porcelain veneers, dental implants, crowns and bridges, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening or bleaching. However, the primary purpose of a gum lift is to expose more tooth roots and create a new gum line. 

The time required for the surgery depends on how much tissue needs to be removed, but it usually lasts less than an hour. 

Most patients report some discomfort after the procedure has been completed. This is why your dentist may ask you to take pain medication before coming in for the procedure. 

The surgery itself does not require a hospital stay and can be performed in a dental office. However, it is essential to follow all post-operation instructions carefully to avoid infection or other complications during recovery. 

It is also essential that you brush and floss your teeth gently after the procedure to avoid damaging the wound. 

There is a chance of you experiencing some bleeding or swelling post-operation, but this should dissipate within a few days. Your dentist will be able to tell you more about what you can expect during recovery and how long it may last. 

Are Gum Lifts Complicated?

Although gum lifts are usually considered relatively uncomplicated procedures, your dentist will advise you on how many days you should stay home. You may also need to take a few days off from work or other activities to rest and recover properly. 

Experts agree that the recovery period is shorter than with traditional gum contouring surgery. 

It would help if you also refrain from smoking during the healing process, as this increases your risk of infection and can slow down or prevent wound healing. 

As always, ask your dentist about what kind of medications you should avoid after the surgery. 

How do I Prepare for a Gum Lift?

Your dentist will advise you on preparing for the procedure, but it usually only takes about an hour and consists of removing some excess tissue from around your gums. You may experience bleeding or swelling afterwards, but both effects should go away in a few days. 

You may be given a surgical dressing to protect the wound, but you will most likely be able to go home with it on. 

Assessments of gum contouring procedures often show that they are slightly more complicated than gum lifts. These procedures typically take two or three hours, and some patients even need overnight stays to recover appropriately. 

The main difference between the two procedures is that a gum lift is meant to restore the height and volume of your gums by removing some tissue around them, while gum contouring aims to lower the tissues to create a smooth surface. 

Traditional scaling and root planning procedures may also be necessary before either surgery can occur, which can add anywhere from one to four hours onto the procedure time. 

Gum lift procedure: The surgery starts with anaesthesia, and then your dentist will move on to making an incision into that section wherein one has planned for surgery. Afterwards, the gum tissue is removed, and the wound is closed by placing a sutured stitch thread that is not visible. 

Healing after a gum lift surgery requires proper food and medicine. You may feel some discomfort after the surgery, but that will disappear within two or three days. Even then, it is essential to follow all post-operation instructions as suggested by your dentist.