Google Rating
4.8
London Bridge Dental Practice
facebook instagram twitter
  • 108-110 Tooley Street
  • .
  • London
  • .
  • SE1 2TH

Gum contouring from London SE1 dentist corrects gummy smile

18 / 12 / 2009

About 7 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women suffer from a condition known as a gummy smile, which is an excess of gum tissue making their teeth appear too short. The condition is not serious and has no real medicinal disadvantage but it can be responsible for a loss of confidence and low self esteem due to embarrassment.

It is very quick and easy to fix a gummy smile using modern technology in a process called laser gum contouring. In the past gum contouring would have been carried out with a scalpel but using the heat of a laser is a much healthier and easier process to perform.

With a diode laser, the dentist can simply sculpt the desired gum line form the existing excess tissue making the gums and teeth look more natural and healthy together. The heat of the laser vaporises the excess gum tissue while simultaneously cauterising it, preventing blood loss. The heat of the laser also sterilises the tissue reducing the chances of post-procedural infection. It may sound a little unpleasant to burn tissue, but contouring is a relatively painless procedure and your London SE1 dentist can administer anaesthetic before treatment.

The surgery usually lasts between 15 minutes and two hours depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed, with recovery time obviously increasing depending on the extent of surgery. All gum tissue will usually be completely healed after four weeks. Once gum contouring is complete some patients also opt for porcelain veneers to complete a more thorough smile makeover but this is not usually necessary.

Back to Blog

Blog Categories

Get In Touch

We Love Our Patients

"I’ve been having work done with Michael for over 2 years. Started with Invisalign, whitening and composite bonding.…

Scarlett B

We Love Our Patients

"Highly recommend this practice. I was already quietly impressed with their professionalism and friendliness in normal times, but…

Peter J

We Love Our Patients

"I remain very careful in who attends to my health. Yet so pleased to have chosen LBDP. I…

Adib J

We Love Our Patients

"Perfect dentistry 5 star service and quality. Michael is a dentist at the top of his game and…

Emma C

We Love Our Patients

"Great service! I chipped my tooth and the reconstruction is a work of art. Very happy. Lovely dentist…

Ema K

We Love Our Patients

"I had a couple of teeth near the front missing, the rest had all moved so I had…

Paul and Jo

We Love Our Patients

"I couldn't recommend Ebuni enough! She has amazing empathy if you're nervous and goes out of her way…

Gabrielle L

We Love Our Patients

"Michael has been a phenomenal dentist and I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting my Invisalign's done…

Lydia L

We Love Our Patients

"About 6 months ago I had two permanent retainers fitted behind my top and bottom teeth and was…

Constance O

We Love Our Patients

"Very very happy with my Invisalign treatment and the dentist and staff were so friendly and helpful. Thanks…

Sarah L

View testimonials
e smile assessment
e smile assessment

E-smile Assessment

e smile assessment
e smile assessment

0% Dental Finance Available

e smile assessment
e smile assessment

Free Cosmetic Consultation

e smile assessment
e smile assessment

E-smile Assessment

e smile assessment
e smile assessment

0% Dental Finance Available

e smile assessment
e smile assessment

Free Cosmetic Consultation

General Dentistry

Exceptional care is at the heart of our practice.

Learn More

Cosmetic Dentistry

Enjoy the advances of modern cosmetic dentistry with us.

Learn More

Teeth Straightening

Invisalign® aligners can straighten teeth quickly, safely and effectively.

Learn More

Dental Implants

Restore the natural function of your teeth with dental implants.

Learn More

Advanced Dentistry

We offer a wide range of implant and prosthetic treatments.

Learn More

Facial Aesthetics

A smooth journey to a new you.

Learn More