COVID-19 UPDATES

 
To our patients,
 
 
As you know your care and safety and the safety of our team is our top priority.
 
Recommendations to dental offices are changing rapidly regarding shelter in place, social distancing and essential dental treatment. We are working hard to remain compliant with the recommendation by the American Dental Association, California Dental Association and our Governor that California dentists suspend all care other than essential and emergency treatment.
 
If you have any questions regarding your dental care or have urgent concerns, please call us or send a direct message through our website; we are here for you and will be seeing emergency patients.
 
Our phones will be answered during our normal business hours and, as always, we can be reached outside of the business hours for any emergency calls.
 
We are looking forward to returning to patient care and the opportunity to once again visit with our dental family of patients…we miss you all!
 
 
Thank you for being our patients!
 
Dr. Sharon Mateja and Team, Jennifer, Deanna, Sandra & Erika

Gum Contouring for Small Teeth

Feb 25, 2019 @ 09:55 AM — by Sharon B. Mateja, D.D.S.
Tagged with: Gum Contouring

Graphic of upper jaw shows gummy smile on left and contoured smile on rightExcess gum tissue can cause the teeth to look small and boxy. By removing small amounts of gum tissue through a state-of-the-art laser dentistry treatment called gum contouring, Dr. Sharon Mateja can remove excess gum tissue that is covering portions of your teeth.

After undergoing gum contouring for small teeth at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA office, your smile will be more attractive and symmetrical.

Causes of Small Teeth

Microdontia, or small teeth, can have many causes, including:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Chemotherapy during adolescence
  • Genetics
  • Marshall syndrome
  • Tooth grinding
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Excess gum tissue

No matter what the cause, gum contouring (possibly paired with other cosmetic or restorative treatments) can improve the appearance and symmetry of your smile. Dr. Mateja will examine your case to determine which treatment options may be best for your needs.

How Does Gum Contouring Address Small Teeth?

Many individuals with otherwise attractive teeth have excess gum tissue that gives the appearance of a gummy smile. By removing even small amounts of gum tissue near the base of teeth, more enamel can be exposed, giving the appearance of larger teeth. The results can be quite dramatic.

Am I a Candidate for Gum Contouring?

Candidates for gum contouring should be in good oral health and not currently taking medications that could compromise the procedure or recovery. Blood thinners are one such example.

Beyond that, candidates generally have uneven gums, excess gum tissue, or small teeth.

Following the procedure, it is important to maintain a healthy oral health regimen. Because gum contouring does remove a small amount of gum tissue, patients should take extra care to avoid gum disease, which could cause further gum line recession.

How Does Gum Contouring Work?

Before your procedure begins, Dr. Mateja will administer a local anesthetic along your gum line. Once you are relaxed, she will use an advanced diode laser to gently remove small amounts of excess gum tissue. Due to the use of a diode laser, there is minimal discomfort and bleeding associated with this procedure.

Once gum contouring is complete, you will be released to return home and recover. Soreness should be expected for the first few hours after treatment. Following Dr. Mateja recovery tips can reduce discomfort.

For the first few days after gum contouring, it is generally advised that patients refrain from:

  • Brushing the surgical site overly aggressively
  • Eating hard or crunchy foods
  • Smoking or drinking

Benefits of Gum Contouring

Patients who undergo gum contouring benefit from a more balanced gum line and more attractive teeth. Other benefits include:

  • Increased confidence
  • Fast recovery (generally a few days to a week for full recovery)
  • Better oral hygiene
  • Cost savings from more expensive cosmetic treatments

Call Us Today

Gum contouring is a safe and effective treatment for small teeth. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Mateja can use gum contouring to enhance your smile, contact our office online or call (909) 989-5959.

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