LVI-Trained Dentist Serving Oakton, Vienna, Fairfax, McLean, and Nearby Northern Virginia
If your gummy smile makes you feel self-conscious or hesitant to show off your teeth, Softouch Dental Care has a modern dental solution that’ll restore your confidence.
In the past, cosmetic procedures like gum reshaping required scalpels and lengthy recovery times. Dr. Michael Chung offers a gentle, efficient, and virtually painless alternative.
Dr. Chung conducts gum recontouring procedures using a precise soft tissue laser that reveals more of your beautiful smile. With minimal discomfort and instant results, you'll be back to your daily activities in no time and loving your new smile.
Advantages of the Soft Tissue Laser
There are plenty of benefits of using a soft tissue laser. The laser makes the gum lift procedure simpler in the following ways:
- Little or no local anesthetic is needed. If you would like anesthetic or sedation dentistry, we can certainly accommodate you.
- Dr. Chung controls the laser’s settings to remove only the gum tissue that is necessary to remove and no more.
- The laser seals gum tissue as it works, thus preventing bleeding, which in turn prevents infection.
- It doesn’t require any cutting. The laser directs a controlled amount of heat to a pre-determined depth, which breaks the connections between gum tissue cells. The cells are vaporized and disappear into the air.
- There is no burning or any damage to the teeth or gums.
- After your treatment, you can return to your day’s activities. The results are instantly visible and will make an enormous difference in your smile.
How Does the Soft Tissue Laser Work?
The soft tissue laser is a powerful yet delicate tool that allows Dr. Chung to perform gum recontouring with precision and care. Here's how it works:
- Controlled Heat Application: The laser applies a controlled amount of heat to gently break down the connections between the gum tissue cells. The excess gum cells vaporize into the air, revealing more of your tooth structure.
- Simultaneous Sealing: As the laser removes gum tissue, it also seals the area immediately. This prevents bleeding and minimizes the risk of infection, enabling faster healing and quicker recovery.
- Reduced Discomfort: With the precision of the laser, the procedure is usually painless and requires little or no local anesthetic. However, we offer sedation if you have dental anxiety.
- Instant Results: Once the laser treatment is complete, you’ll be able to see your new gum line right away. You can start showing off your new, beautifully balanced smile right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Recontouring?
Gum recontouring is ideal for people who have:
- "Gummy" Smile: Excessive gum tissue covering the teeth makes them appear smaller, leading to an imbalanced smile.
- Uneven Gum Line: Irregular gum lines can cause teeth to appear misaligned, even if the teeth themselves are straight. This procedure can smooth out the gum line and give it a balanced look.
- Excessive Gum Growth: Overgrowth due to genetics or certain medications can cause gums to cover too much of the tooth surface.
- Short-Looking Teeth: Sometimes, gums are too prominent, and the teeth appear short. Reshaping reveals more of the tooth surface for a healthier smile.
- Health-Related Gum Issues: In some cases, health conditions or lifestyle factors like smoking may cause excessive gum tissue, which can also benefit from gum reshaping.
How Long Does the Gum Recontouring Procedure Take?
The procedure typically takes less than an hour, depending on the extent of the treatment needed. The results are visible immediately.
What Is the Recovery Time After Gum Recontouring?
Thanks to the use of soft tissue lasers, recovery time is minimal. Most patients can resume regular activities right after the procedure, although we recommend avoiding spicy or hard foods for a day or two.
Is Gum Recontouring Painful?
Laser gum recontouring is generally painless, but you may have some slight discomfort afterward. The precision of the laser minimizes discomfort, but we can use local anesthesia or sedation dentistry if needed for anxiety or sensitivity.
How Long Do the Results of Laser Gum Recontouring Last?
The results of laser gum recontouring can be long-lasting, especially with proper oral care. Once we remove the excess gum tissue, it typically does not grow back. However, the longevity of the results depends on maintaining good dental hygiene and managing any underlying health conditions that could affect gum growth.
Regular dental check-ups and a consistent brushing and flossing routine will help keep your gums healthy and your smile looking great for years to come.
What Are the Risks of Laser Gum Recontouring?
Although laser gum recontouring is generally safe, here are some potential risks to consider:
- Sensitivity: After the procedure, teeth may be temporarily sensitive to hot and cold due to newly exposed surfaces.
- Infection: Though the laser seals the area to reduce this risk, proper post-procedure care is essential to prevent infection.
- Gum Recession: Excessive gum tissue removal may result in overexposed teeth and a receding gum line, emphasizing the need for a qualified practitioner.
- Swelling/Discomfort: Mild swelling or discomfort can occur but typically resolves within a few days with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Uneven Gum Line: Improper reshaping may cause an asymmetrical gum line, so choose a skilled dentist for precise contouring.
- Relapse: Gum tissue might regrow over time if we don’t address the underlying causes.
Can Gum Recontouring Help With Big Gums Due to Periodontal Disease or Other Health Issues?
Gum recontouring is primarily a cosmetic procedure. However, if the excess gum tissue is due to health issues, Dr. Chung can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Why Choose Softouch Dental Care?
At Softouch Dental in Northern Virginia, we intentionally limit how many patients we see per day to give you our full attention and make sure you’re comfortable during your visit.
Dr. Michael Chung is an LVI Fellow (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies) and a highly trained cosmetic dentist. With over 15 years of advanced post-doctoral education, his extensive expertise ensures precise results.
By combining technology with a deep understanding of oral aesthetics, Dr. Chung creates natural, beautiful smiles while prioritizing your comfort. His dedication to excellence and patient care makes him a trusted choice for your dental needs.
Discover Your Radiant Smile With Laser Gum Recontouring
Gum recontouring may be the change you need to reveal a smile you truly love. Dr. Chung and his team are here to guide you through the process from start to finish.
To schedule your initial cosmetic dentistry consultation at Softouch Dental Care, please call 703-319-6990 today.
