Expert Gum Reshaping for West Finchley Patients

You may be a good candidate for gum reshaping if your teeth look short from excess gum tissue, giving a gummy smile. This is a common reason West Finchley patients seek treatment as they want a more proportional smile. A functional reason is when a tooth is broken below the gum line or has extensive decay; we may perform crown lengthening. This reshapes the gum and sometimes the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth, providing a solid foundation for a new dental crown. It is a necessary step for long term success.

The process starts with a 30 minute consultation to assess your gums, discuss your goals, and plan changes with digital imaging. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. First we apply local anaesthetic to numb the area. Then we carefully remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt a new higher gumline. Finally we clean the area and provide detailed aftercare instructions. For example, a West Finchley patient seeking cosmetic reshaping for front teeth can complete the consultation and procedure in under 90 minutes.

Gums take about one to two weeks to heal fully. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild tenderness and swelling, managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Eat a soft diet for the first few days such as soups, yoghurt, and smoothies. Brush gently over the treated area and we may suggest an antiseptic mouthwash for the first week. It is important to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of days. If you notice persistent bleeding, increasing pain after day three, or signs of infection contact us during office hours Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5 or Tue, Thu 11 to 7. For emergencies after hours go to the nearest A and E or call 111.

Gum reshaping works well but it is not the only option. A gummy smile may be caused by a hyperactive upper lip muscle that lifts high when you smile. In these cases Botox injections can relax the muscle. If the teeth are out of position, orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign can move the teeth and reduce gum visibility. During your consultation we assess the root cause and discuss all suitable options, not only gum surgery.

Private gum reshaping typically starts at £250 per tooth. The final price depends on how many teeth are treated and the complexity of the procedure, such as whether minor bone recontouring is needed. Our fee includes the initial assessment, the surgery, and a follow up to check healing. There are no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. However, we do accept several private plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. We can provide a detailed quote and discuss payment options during your consultation.

A 28 year old marketing professional from West Finchley was unhappy with her gummy smile. We reshaped the gums on her front six teeth in a single 60 minute appointment. The total cost was around £1,500, and she was thrilled with the result. In another case, a patient had a molar fractured below the gumline. We performed functional crown lengthening on that tooth at a cost of £350, which then allowed us to fit a protective crown.

To choose what is right for you, ask any provider these key questions whether you use us or another practice: What technique will you use a traditional scalpel or a laser and what are the benefits of your method? How much gum tissue will you remove and what will the final result look like? What is the total cost including all consultations and follow up appointments? Are there alternatives for my situation? How long will healing take and what restrictions apply? What is your experience with this procedure?