A precise, comfortable way to even out a gummy smile or uneven gumline.
Recontouring Gums For a Beautiful, Healthy Smile
When the gum line is the problem, not the teeth
Sometimes a smile looks uneven not because the teeth are uneven, but because the gum line is. A laser gum lift also called gum recontouring gently reshapes the gum tissue so your teeth look proportional and your smile looks balanced. It is one of the smaller cosmetic procedures with the biggest visual impact.
What the appointment is like
We use a dental laser to shape the gum tissue precisely. The laser seals as it works, which means very little bleeding, minimal discomfort, and faster healing than a traditional surgical approach. We numb the area first, take our time, and check the symmetry as we go. Most lifts are done in a single appointment.
How it fits into a bigger plan
A gum lift is often paired with veneers, whitening, or a smile makeover. When we plan the smile as a whole, evening out the gum line first lets the rest of the cosmetic work fall into place. We will show you a preview so you can see the difference before any tissue is reshaped.
What is a laser gum lift?
A laser gum lift, also called gum contouring, is a minor cosmetic procedure that uses a dental laser to gently reshape the gum tissue. It is most often used to even out an uneven gum line or to address what some patients call a “gummy smile.” At Tatum Dentistry, we use a laser instead of a scalpel for greater precision and faster healing.
Does a gum lift hurt?
We numb the gums fully before starting, and the laser is more gentle than traditional surgical reshaping. Most patients describe it as a minor procedure easier than they expected. You may have a little tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as the gums settle, but most people are back to normal within about a week.
How long does a laser gum lift take?
Most laser gum lifts are done in a single appointment lasting 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being recontoured. Healing happens over the following one to two weeks. If the lift is part of a larger cosmetic plan, we coordinate it with the rest of your treatment.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my gums grow back?
Properly performed gum recontouring is generally permanent for cosmetic cases. The gum tissue heals into its new shape and stays there. We measure carefully before the procedure so the result is balanced and intentional — not something you have to revisit.
Is a gum lift the same as a gum graft?
No. A gum lift removes a small amount of gum tissue to reveal more tooth and even out the smile. A gum graft adds tissue back to areas where the gum has receded. They are different procedures for different problems. We will tell you which one — if either — is right for you.
Can a gum lift be done before veneers?
Often it should be. Evening out the gum line first means your veneer dentist (us) can plan the final result around a balanced foundation. We coordinate the timing so the gums have time to heal before the cosmetic work is finalized. See Porcelain Veneers.
Discover Fun Dental Tips & Tricks!
From Our Blog We write about smile makeovers we have done, what to expect from veneers, why whitening should come first, and how to know which option fits your goals.
