Expert Gum Reshaping for North Finchley Patients

Gum reshaping, also called gingivectomy or crown lengthening, suits several situations. Most people seek it for cosmetic reasons, to fix a gummy smile when too much gum hides part of the teeth, making them look short. You are a good candidate if the gum line is uneven, creating an asymmetry. Beyond looks, reshaping supports restoration. If a tooth near the gum line is broken or decayed, we remove a small band of gum to expose healthy tooth structure. This lets us fit a crown or filling securely, extending the tooth’s life and protecting it from further damage.

The process begins with a 30 minute consultation at our Finchley practice to review your smile and goals. First, we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain during the treatment. Then we remove the excess gum tissue and shape a new gum line using a specialized instrument or a soft tissue laser. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Finally, we clean the area and provide aftercare instructions. Results are visible immediately, giving you a refreshed smile in a single visit.

Recovery is typically straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild tenderness and swelling, manageable with over the counter pain relief. Follow a soft diet for the first few days with soups, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid spicy, hard, or crunchy foods that irritate healing gums. Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean. Full healing usually occurs in one to two weeks. Call us during office hours if you experience severe pain that does not improve, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection such as fever.

While gum reshaping is highly effective, there are alternatives to consider. If a gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip muscle, injections of botulinum toxin can relax the muscle and stop the lip from lifting as high. This is less invasive but requires repeats every 3 to 6 months. If the position of the teeth and jaw contributes to the issue, orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign may provide a long term solution to reposition the teeth and improve the smile's proportions. During your consultation we discuss which approach fits your clinical needs and desired outcome.

To choose what works for you, ask a few key questions whether you come to us or another practice in the North Finchley area. Ask about the technology used is it a laser or a traditional scalpel, and what are the benefits of the method. Inquire about total cost and what it includes such as follow up appointments. Look to see a portfolio of before and after photos of previous patients. Finally ask about the dentist's experience with this procedure and what you can realistically expect for results and recovery.

The cost of gum reshaping depends on the extent of the treatment needed. For a single tooth, prices may start from £350, while treating the front six teeth for a full smile enhancement typically ranges from £800 to £1,500. This fee includes the consultation, the procedure itself, local anaesthetic, and any necessary follow-up appointments. There are no hidden fees. During your initial visit, we will provide you with a precise, written quote. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment for this procedure. However, we do accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary for a restoration.