Dr. Mert Akbaş is a physician practising Dental Aesthetics in Fatih, Istanbul.
Gum aesthetics is the general name for periodontal surgical procedures that adjust the level, contour or colour of the gums. This page covers the methods used for a gummy smile, gum recession and dark gum patches, who they suit, healing, possible risks and the factors that affect cost.
duration60 min
recovery5 days
resultPermanent
price₺8.000–25.000
Ranked by plan, rating and patient reviews
Dr. Mert Akbaş is a physician practising Dental Aesthetics in Fatih, Istanbul.
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Gum aesthetics covers surgical procedures that make the gums look in harmony with the teeth. It is also called pink aesthetics. An uneven gum line can affect a smile even when the teeth themselves are well shaped.
Gum aesthetics is part of cosmetic dentistry. It can be done on its own or as the first stage of a smile design plan. Adjusting the gum level before crowns or veneers are placed is common.
Gum aesthetics addresses three main problems:
A gummy smile has more than one possible cause, and the right treatment depends on the cause. In some people, the gum does not move back to its usual level after the teeth erupt, so the teeth look short. Gum surgery can be a good option here. Some medicines and gum inflammation can also make the gums overgrow.
The cause is not always the gum. An upper lip that lifts too high or excess vertical growth of the upper jaw can create the same look. In these cases gum surgery alone is not enough, and the dentist may suggest other treatments for lip or jaw causes.
Gum aesthetics is done under local anaesthesia, usually in a single session. For excess gum, the procedure generally follows these steps:
For gum recession, a graft is usually used. A small piece of tissue from the palate is placed over the exposed area. In some cases the nearby gum is moved to cover the root surface.
Gum aesthetics suits people with healthy gums whose problem comes from the gum itself. The dentist decides on suitability after an examination. Common reasons for treatment include:
Active gum inflammation is treated first. Uncontrolled diabetes and smoking can slow healing. If you take blood thinners, tell your dentist. If the problem comes from the lip or jaw, gum surgery alone may not be enough.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the number of teeth and whether bone work is needed. After simple gum removal, surface healing generally takes one to two weeks. Crown lengthening or grafts can extend healing to several weeks, and the gum line can take a few months to settle. If crowns are planned, the dentist may wait for this.
In the first days, avoid brushing the treated area on day one, then clean it gently with a soft brush. Use any mouthwash your dentist recommends, do not smoke and do not touch the area with your tongue or fingers. Contact your dentist if bleeding does not stop, swelling increases or you develop a fever.
Well-planned gum changes are long-lasting. If the bone level is ignored, the gum can grow back over time. Removed dark patches may also return in some people.
Gum aesthetics is surgery and carries some risks. Possible side effects include:
Crown lengthening also involves bone, so healing takes longer. Your dentist should explain which risks are more likely in your case.
Gum aesthetics methods differ by the problem they treat. The table gives a general comparison.
| Method | Used for | What is done |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty | Excess or uneven gum | Excess gum is removed and reshaped |
| Crown lengthening | Short teeth where bone level also needs adjusting | Gum and bone are reshaped together |
| Gum graft | Gum recession | Tissue from the palate is placed over the receded area |
| Depigmentation | Dark patches on the gums | The pigmented surface layer is removed with a laser or scalpel |
The cost depends on the method used and the number of teeth treated. The price range on this page gives only a general idea. The main factors are:
The final fee is set after an examination.
Experience in gum surgery matters most. The specialty for this area is periodontology, although experienced general dentists also carry out simple gum contouring. When choosing, you can ask:
You can compare periodontists and dentists by city in the doctor listings on this page.
The information on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. The suitable method for you can only be determined by a physician examination.
₺8.000 – ₺25.000
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