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Gum-recontouring (gingivectomy) involves the removal of the top portion of the gum to make the teeth appear longer and the gum-line even. People who have excess gum covering the front teeth and an upper lip that comes up high when they smile are often self-conscious about their "gummy" smile. An uneven gum-line can make the teeth appear to have different lengths, which takes away from the appearance of an attractive smile.
To correct these problems, we numb the area and remove the excess gum. The patient is instructed to use an antiseptic mouth rinse such as Peridex on a Q-tip and apply upward pressure on the gums as they heal. The procedure is not painful, but some mild discomfort can be expected a day or two after the procedure. The gum is not damaged. The procedure can usually be completed in about 30 minutes.
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