Gum Reshaping for North Finchley Patients

Consider gum reshaping if you are unhappy with a gummy smile where excess gum tissue makes teeth look shorter. It is also suitable when the gum line is uneven, creating an asymmetrical look. For example, a patient from North Finchley had healthy teeth but felt self conscious smiling because of prominent gums. A reshaping procedure lasting under an hour boosted their confidence. In some cases reshaping serves a clinical purpose. If a tooth is broken near the gum line, crown lengthening may be needed to expose more of the tooth so a new crown fits securely. This approach protects the long term health and stability of the restoration.

The process is quicker and more comfortable than many expect. First, there is a 30 minute consultation to assess your gums and discuss goals. The treatment itself takes one visit of about 60 to 90 minutes. We begin by fully numbing the area with local anaesthetic so there is no pain. Using specialized instruments we remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt a new gum line that looks balanced. There are usually no stitches in cosmetic cases. Finally we provide clear aftercare instructions. You leave the practice right after the procedure and see the initial results immediately, with final results visible after healing in a week or two.

Recovery is usually swift. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild tenderness and swelling that is easily managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies for the first few days to avoid irritating the area. Rinse gently with warm saltwater to keep the site clean. Avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two. The gums heal completely within one to two weeks. A red flag is persistent bleeding or increasing pain after day 3. If this occurs, contact our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7) for advice. For after hours, visit A&E or call 111.

Other treatments may suit your gummy smile depending on the cause. If the issue comes from an overactive upper lip muscle that lifts too high when you smile, targeted Botox injections offer a non surgical alternative. This approach is less invasive but results last 3 to 6 months. For more complex cases involving jaw position, orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign might be advised to move the teeth into a better position, which improves the gum to tooth ratio. During your consultation we explain why gum reshaping may or may not be the best option compared with these alternatives.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions of any provider in North Finchley or beyond. Inquire about the technology used for the procedure whether laser or traditional scalpel and the recovery differences. Request to see before and after photos to assess quality. Ask for the total cost and whether the quote covers the consultation and follow up visits. Find out how many of these procedures the dentist performs each month to gauge experience. Finally, discuss the long term outlook and whether there is any chance of the gum tissue growing back.

Clear and honest pricing guides your decision. The price depends on how many teeth are treated. A full assessment is needed for a final quote, but at our Finchley practice prices typically start around £150 per tooth. For larger jobs across several teeth, a full plan is provided after the initial consultation. The fee covers the procedure, local anaesthetic, and all materials. We accept various payment methods and are covered by major private schemes including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. You receive a detailed breakdown with no hidden charges so you know what to expect.