Cosmetic gum surgery in Lehi can help improve an uneven gumline, reduce excessive gum display, and create better balance between your teeth and gums. At MVPerio, Dr. Rachna Hegde evaluates your gum tissue, tooth structure, and bone levels to determine which treatment may help you achieve a more balanced smile while protecting your long-term oral health.
What Is Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
Cosmetic gum surgery involves reshaping or repositioning gum tissue to improve the appearance of your smile. Depending on your anatomy and treatment goals, a periodontist may recommend gum contouring, gingivoplasty, or crown lengthening.
The aim is not simply to remove gum tissue. It is to create a natural-looking gumline while maintaining healthy tissue around your teeth.
Some patients have excess gum tissue that makes their teeth appear shorter than they are. Others have an uneven gumline that affects smile symmetry. In these situations, an appropriate periodontal procedure may improve the proportions of the visible teeth.
However, not every cosmetic concern requires surgery. During your consultation, we assess the underlying cause and explain which options are suitable for your needs.
What Smile Concerns Can Gum Reshaping Address?
Gum reshaping Lehi patients may address several concerns, depending on the amount and position of the gum tissue.
An uneven gumline
When the gumline sits higher around some teeth and lower around others, your smile may appear asymmetrical. Carefully planned gum contouring can improve the visible gumline when excess tissue is responsible for the uneven appearance.
A gummy smile
Some people show more gum tissue than they would like when smiling. Gummy smile treatment Lehi patients explore may involve reshaping gum tissue or performing crown lengthening. The appropriate approach depends on whether the excess gum display results from gum coverage, tooth proportions, bone levels, lip movement, or a combination of factors.
Teeth that appear short
If gum tissue covers part of the natural tooth surface, the teeth may look shorter than their actual size. Crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth structure when clinically appropriate, improving its visible proportions.
Receding gums
Gum recession is a different concern. When gum tissue moves away from the teeth and exposes the roots, removing additional tissue is generally not the solution. Depending on the condition, gum grafting and recession treatment may help protect exposed roots and improve the gumline.
Which Aesthetic Gum Procedures May Be Right for You?
The right procedure depends on the cause of the concern, not just how your smile looks.
- Gum contouring: Reshapes excess gum tissue to create a more even outline around the teeth.
- Gingivoplasty: Refines the shape of gum tissue to improve its contour.
- Crown lengthening: Removes gum tissue and, in some cases, reshapes supporting bone to expose more tooth structure.
- Gum grafting: Adds or reinforces gum tissue in areas affected by recession or inadequate tissue thickness.
These procedures serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Your periodontist will examine your gum health, tooth proportions, and bone levels before recommending treatment.
Explore MVPerio’s soft tissue and aesthetic gum procedures to learn more about the available treatment approaches.
What to Expect During Treatment and Recovery
Your treatment begins with a clinical examination and a discussion about what you would like to change. We evaluate the position of your gums, the visible tooth structure, and the supporting bone to understand what is contributing to your concern.
If surgery is appropriate, your periodontist will explain the recommended procedure, anesthesia options, expected recovery, and aftercare instructions before treatment begins.
After gum contouring or crown lengthening, you may experience tenderness, swelling, or temporary sensitivity. Recovery varies according to the extent of treatment and whether bone reshaping is necessary. Following your clinician’s instructions and attending follow-up appointments help support healing.
If you are considering aesthetic gum procedures Lehi patients can access through specialist periodontal care, ask about the expected healing timeline for your specific procedure rather than relying on a general estimate.
MVPerio’s Clinical Approach to Cosmetic Gum Surgery in Lehi
At MVPerio, Dr. Hegde and Dr. Thunell emphasize careful diagnosis, individualized planning, and the preservation of healthy supporting tissues. Their clinical approach recognizes that an attractive gumline must also be compatible with healthy teeth, gums, and bone.
Dr. Hegde leads periodontal care at the Lehi location, where each treatment recommendation is based on the patient’s anatomy, gum health, and smile goals. Before recommending gum reshaping, the clinical team considers whether excess tissue, tooth proportions, bone levels, or another factor is responsible for the appearance of the gumline.
This distinction matters because removing gum tissue without understanding the underlying cause may not produce the desired result. In some cases, crown lengthening or another procedure may be more appropriate than simple contouring.
The goal is to recommend treatment for the right clinical reason, explain the options clearly, and help you make an informed decision. Learn more about specialist periodontal care at MVPerio’s Lehi location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Choosing a gum procedure often raises practical questions about comfort, cost, and long-term results. Here are answers to common questions to help you prepare for a consultation.
Q. Is cosmetic gum surgery painful?
Local anesthesia is commonly used to manage discomfort during gum surgery. Some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity may occur afterward. Your periodontist can explain appropriate comfort measures and whether sedation options are suitable for you.
Q. How long does gum contouring take to heal?
Healing depends on the procedure, the amount of tissue treated, and whether bone reshaping is involved. Simple contouring may heal differently from crown lengthening. Follow your clinician’s aftercare instructions and ask when you can expect to resume your usual activities.
Q. Is gum contouring permanent?
The results can be long-lasting, but outcomes depend on the procedure, your gum health, and your individual healing response. Gum tissue can change over time, so maintaining oral hygiene and attending regular periodontal visits remain important.
Q. How much does cosmetic gum surgery cost in Lehi?
The cost depends on the procedure, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of your case. During a consultation, MVPerio can assess your needs and explain the recommended treatment and associated costs. Visit the MVPerio contact page to reach the team for appointment information.
Q. Can gum surgery correct a gummy smile?
Yes, certain procedures can reduce excessive gum display when excess gum tissue is the cause. However, lip movement, tooth position, and bone levels can also affect how much gum appears when you smile. A periodontal examination helps determine whether gum contouring or another approach is appropriate.
Q. Should I choose gum contouring or gum grafting?
Gum contouring may help when excess tissue creates an uneven gumline. Gum grafting is generally considered when recession has exposed tooth roots or when additional gum tissue is needed. The soft tissue procedures page explains these treatment categories in more detail.
Discuss Your Smile Goals With MVPerio in Lehi
If your gumline makes your teeth look uneven or you would like to understand your options for a more balanced smile, start with an examination. DR. Hegde’s and DR. Thunell’s patient-focused approach emphasizes clear explanations, practical guidance, and treatment decisions based on individual needs. The MVPerio team can help you understand whether gum contouring, crown lengthening, or another periodontal procedure may be appropriate.
Contact MVPerio’s Lehi clinic:
Phone: +1 801-766-6966
Email: lehi@mvperio.com
Address: 3397 N 1200 E, Suite 111, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
Arrange a consultation to discuss your concerns, understand the available options, and make an informed decision about your gum health and smile.