Laser Gum Contouring In Ottawa

Your Gums Shouldn’t Steal the Show

A great smile is about balance. When too much gum tissue frames your teeth, even healthy, well-shaped teeth can look short, uneven, or out of proportion. Laser gum contouring, also known as gingival sculpting or gingivoplasty, is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that reshapes and recontours your gumline to reveal more of your natural teeth and create a more balanced, symmetrical smile. At Inova Dental, we use advanced laser technology to perform gum contouring in Ottawa with greater precision, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery than traditional surgical methods.

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What Is Laser Gum Contouring?

Laser gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a soft tissue laser to remove, reshape, or add gum tissue to create a more even and aesthetically pleasing gumline. The laser simultaneously trims and seals the tissue, which significantly reduces bleeding, lowers the risk of infection, and allows for a much faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods using a scalpel.

The procedure is performed in a single office visit and typically takes one to two hours depending on the extent of reshaping required. Results are permanent and immediately visible.

Why Do Gums Become Uneven?

Uneven or excessive gum tissue is more common than most people realise and can be caused by a range of factors:

• Genetics, where some people naturally have more gum tissue covering their teeth
• Certain health conditions that affect gum growth
• Prescription medications that can cause gum overgrowth as a side effect
• Abnormal tooth eruption during development
• Receded gums where the tissue has pulled back and exposed the tooth root, which can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss if left untreated

What Can Laser Gum Contouring Treat?

• A gummy smile where excessive gum tissue covers too much of the tooth surface
• An uneven or asymmetrical gumline
• Teeth that appear too short or small due to gum overgrowth
• Excess gum tissue that causes discomfort, rubbing, or pain
• Receded gums that need reshaping or tissue restoration for a more even appearance
• Excess tooth wear contributed to by gum position
• Gum redness and puffiness
• Poor oral hygiene caused by hard-to-clean excess tissue
• Early signs of gum-related aging
• Cosmetic preparation before veneers, crowns, or other restorations

Benefits of Laser Gum Contouring

• Creates a more even, symmetrical, and balanced smile
• Corrects a gummy smile or uneven gumline permanently
• Minimally invasive with no scalpel required in most cases
• Significantly less bleeding than traditional surgery due to the laser’s cauterising effect
• Lower risk of infection
• Fast recovery, most patients return to normal activities within a day or two
• Improves oral hygiene by removing hard-to-clean excess tissue
• Can be performed as a standalone cosmetic procedure or in preparation for other dental work

Laser vs. Traditional Gum Contouring

Traditional gum contouring uses a scalpel to manually cut and remove tissue, followed by sutures and a recovery period of one to two weeks. It carries a higher risk of bleeding and infection.

Laser gum contouring uses a soft tissue dental laser to remove and seal the tissue in a single step. There are no incisions in most cases, minimal bleeding, a significantly lower infection risk, and most patients recover within a few days. The laser also allows for more precise shaping, giving more predictable and aesthetically consistent results.

At Inova Dental we use laser technology for all gum contouring procedures for this reason.

The Laser Gum Contouring Process at Inova Dental

Caring for Your Gums After Laser Contouring

Recovery from laser gum contouring is straightforward for most patients. To support healing and maintain your results:

• Rinse gently with a saltwater solution several times a day to keep the area clean and germ-free
• Stick to soft foods during the initial healing period. Good options include soup, yogurt, applesauce, and Jell-O
• Avoid firm, crunchy, chewy, spicy, or seedy foods until the gums have fully healed
• Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks during the initial healing period
• Drink plenty of water
• Brush and floss gently around the treated area using an alcohol-free mouthwash
• Apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to manage any swelling
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort
• If you experience a burning or itching sensation for a few days, this is normal. Contact us if discomfort persists or worsens
• Attend your follow-up appointment so we can confirm healing is progressing well

How Much Does Laser Gum Contouring Cost in Ottawa?

The cost of laser gum contouring in Ottawa typically ranges from $200 to $3,000 depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of the reshaping required. Single tooth corrections are at the lower end of the range while full gumline reshaping across multiple teeth will be higher.

Laser gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). We walk you through pricing transparently at your consultation with no surprises and no hidden fees.

Why Choose Inova Dental for Laser Gum Contouring in Ottawa?

• Advanced Laser Technology: We use precision soft tissue laser equipment for more accurate results, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery than traditional methods.
• Single Visit Procedure: Gum contouring is completed in one office visit, typically in one to two hours.
• Permanent Results: Once healed, your reshaped gumline is a lasting improvement that requires no ongoing maintenance beyond regular oral care.
• Honest Consultations: We’ll assess whether laser gum contouring is the right procedure for your situation and recommend alternatives where appropriate.
• Multilingual Team: Our staff speaks English, French, and Arabic, so nothing gets lost in translation.
• Two Convenient Ottawa Locations: Visit us on Innes Road or Bank Street, Monday through Saturday.

Laser Gum Contouring FAQs

Does laser gum contouring hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthetic so you should feel little to no discomfort during treatment. Afterward, some mild soreness and swelling is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort. Most patients find the recovery far more manageable than they expected.

How long does the procedure take?

Laser gum contouring is completed in a single office visit and typically takes one to two hours depending on the number of teeth being treated. A single tooth correction can be completed in under an hour.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to their normal activities within one to two days following laser gum contouring. Full healing of the gum tissue takes one to two weeks. Traditional surgical contouring takes significantly longer, which is one of the key advantages of the laser approach.

Are the results permanent?

Yes. Once the gum tissue has been reshaped and fully healed, the results are permanent. In rare cases, gum tissue can partially regrow, but this is uncommon. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups will help maintain your results long term.

Can teenagers get laser gum contouring?

Yes. Laser gum contouring can be performed on younger patients where appropriate. Our team takes extra care and precautions when treating teenage patients and will assess whether the procedure is suitable at your consultation.

Is laser gum contouring covered by insurance?

Laser gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If gum reshaping is being performed as part of a restorative treatment plan, partial coverage may apply in some cases. We recommend checking your specific plan.

What is the difference between laser and traditional gum contouring?

Traditional gum contouring uses a scalpel to manually cut and remove tissue, followed by sutures and a recovery period of one to two weeks. Laser gum contouring removes and seals tissue simultaneously using a precision laser, with minimal bleeding, a lower infection risk, and a recovery period of just a few days. We use laser technology at Inova Dental for all gum contouring procedures.

Can gum contouring be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Laser gum contouring is often performed alongside or in preparation for other cosmetic treatments such as veneers, crowns, or teeth whitening to achieve a complete smile transformation. We will discuss any combined treatment options at your consultation.

Ready to Reveal More of Your Smile?

Whether you’re dealing with a gummy smile, an uneven gumline, or simply want a more balanced appearance, our team at Inova Dental is here to help. We’re welcoming new patients at both of our Ottawa locations.

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