Gum Contouring & Gingivectomy

Sometimes teeth look small not because they are, but because the gum sits too low over them. Removing and reshaping a small amount of gum tissue exposes more of the natural tooth and evens out an uneven gum line. It is often the step that makes a veneer case look right.

How it's done

1. 01

   Measurement

   The surgeon checks the distance from gum to bone to confirm there is tissue to remove without exposing the root.

2. 02

   Anaesthesia

   Local anaesthetic only.

3. 03

   Reshaping

   Tissue is removed with a soft-tissue laser or fine electrosurgery unit, which limits bleeding and speeds healing.

4. 04

   Healing check

   The new contour is reviewed before any veneer or crown impressions are taken.

Who it suits

A ‘gummy’ smile, or an uneven gum line that makes otherwise good teeth look mismatched.

Where it falls short

If the underlying bone level is the cause, contouring alone won't hold — that needs a crown-lengthening procedure involving bone.

Recovery

Tenderness for a few days. The gum takes two to six weeks to settle fully, which is why it is done before impressions rather than after.