Question from Paul Swaine, Newcastle:
Does Gum Contouring Hurt?
I have heard that this procedure can be quite painful afterwards and was wondering if this is true. I think I might need this done but I want to make sure I am not going to be in pain for weeks afterwards.
Some people will require a gum contouring procedure to eliminate a "gummy smile". If too much of the gum is showing when you smile your teeth can appear short, uneven, crooked or unhealthy. By getting rid of any excess gum tissue, it can make your teeth and smile appear healthier, straighter and more attractive.
Understandably, to some people, the idea of having their gums "shaved off" can be quite a scary thought. Before recent laser technology was developed, the process involved the dentist removing the tissue with a scalpel and this took quite a long time to heal and as the wound had to be left open, it could be prone to getting infected. With the advent of laser technology, dentists can now seal the wound once they have cut the excess tissue away. This results in a reduced amount of bleeding and swelling and cuts the risks of any infections. However, the process is not without discomfort and you will experience some small amount of pain and swelling for a couple of days afterwards.
