Understanding Gum Resurfacing

One of the cosmetic procedures that can boost your oral health is gum resurfacing. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have dark areas on the gums as a result of infection or poor oral hygiene. You might see that the gums become discolored with age as well. Gum resurfacing is a minor surgical procedure that is often done with a laser. The goal is to rid the mouth of the discolored areas so that there is a healthy, pink appearance to the mouth once more.

The Procedure

A local anesthetic is used to numb the mouth. There could be various areas of the mouth numbed or the entire mouth at one time. Once the mouth is numb, the dentist will use a diode laser to remove excess gum tissue and to contour the gums so that they create a uniform look. This is done in a gentle manner so that there is minimal pain involved after the numbing medication wears off.

The laser used in this procedure cauterizes the area. This reduces the risk of bleeding as the surface is burned once it is contoured. This also decreases the risk of infection developing after the procedure. The procedure is usually completed in a single visit. The gums could be swollen for about a week, but the normal function of the mouth should be restored quickly with a beautiful smile that has been achieved from a simple laser.