Gingival contouring is a dental procedure employed to correct the shape of the gumline. An even gumline produces a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile and provides a symmetrical frame to compliment natural teeth, restorations, and cosmetic dental work.
Whether a patient’s gumline is uneven or covers too much of their teeth, a more proportional look is often preferred. Excessive gingival display of more than 3 mm is more prevalent in women and not uncommon. It also occurs in more than 10% (and as many as 29%) of young adults. Fortunately, gingival contouring can help reduce and even out the gumline.
Today, dental professionals use scalpels, soft-tissue lasers, and radiosurgery to perform gingival contouring. A best practice for the dental practitioner is to choose products that deliver precision, enable ease of use, and ensure a safe and sterile environment. See below five important products for successful gingival contouring.
Scalpels help to precisely shape and contour gums by removing excess tissue for a more even and attractive gum line. Disposable scalpels are a convenient and hygienic option. They often feature a high-quality stainless steel blade with a strong plastic handle that provides a secure grip. A sterile instrument, disposable scalpels promote maximum asepsis by being single-use only.
A periodontal probe is a diagnostic tool for measuring pocket depths, attachment levels, anatomy configurations, and bleeding in the gums. Typically made of surgical-grade stainless steel, probes often have a lightweight, ergonomic design and textured handle for a secure hold. Black markings help provide enhanced readability, while colour-coded tips enable ease of identification.
Sutures hold tissue together following surgery. They come in non-absorbable materials, such as silk, and absorbable materials, such as chromic gut. Chromic gut sutures are typically used in oral and periodontal surgery. These sutures often come with the needle ready for use, and they conveniently dissolve in 10 to 15 days.
Topical hemostatic solution is an essential tool for stopping bleeding during dental procedures and minor surgeries, such as gingival contouring. A dropper bottle can provide extra convenience and ease of use. Made with buffered aluminum chloride, quality solutions also contain zero epinephrine to avoid cardiac reactions in patients.
Sterilization cassettes have many roles. They are used in instrument reprocessing to ensure dental tools and devices are safe for reuse. They also protect staff from contaminated sharps and help maintain instrument sterility during storage. Additionally, they provide an efficient means of instrument organization before, during, and after sterilization.
Sturdy cassette designs are made of stainless steel and feature silicone holders in a selection of colors for ease of identification. They are built to securely hold instruments during reprocessing cycles and keep tools and accessories in order. Plus, their trays allow for the aseptic presentation of instruments during patient care.
A beautiful smile has the power to boost patient confidence and lift everyone’s day. While perfecting teeth is often the first consideration, gums also play a large role in smile aesthetics. Today’s gingival contouring tools and procedures enable practitioners to sculpt balanced and symmetrical gumlines and give patients a good reason to smile their brightest.