Correct a Gummy Smile or Uneven Gum Line with Laser Gum Surgery

Patients with an uneven gum line or gummy smile can find more balance with laser gum surgery. Jersey City Dental in Jersey City, NJ, uses an advanced WaterLase® laser for precise treatments with a reduced recovery time. Whether your smile concerns are cosmetic or due to periodontal disease, our dentists can correct your smile and deliver optimal comfort using laser gum surgery.

Dental laser treatment on teeth with gum disease illustration against pink background.
At Jersey City Dental, we use WaterLase® for precise laser gum treatments.

What Is Gum Surgery?

Gums are intended to frame the base of your teeth to create a balanced smile. During laser gum surgery, the imbalanced or infected gum tissue is trimmed to reveal a straighter, healthier smile. Traditional gum surgery requires local anesthesia, a scalpel, stitches, and a long recovery. There is also a higher risk for infection with traditional surgery. 

In recent years, with the introduction of laser dentistry, gum surgery can now be performed using a small handheld device, providing more efficient results and a faster recovery. At Jersey City Dental, our dentists use a WaterLase® laser. This device uses a combination of water and laser energy for an overall more comfortable treatment. WaterLase® technology is able to cauterize and seal the tissue simultaneously in order to conserve healthy tissue and eliminate the need for stitches, thus reducing your risk for complications. 

In recent years, with the introduction of laser dentistry, gum surgery can now be performed using a small handheld device, providing more efficient results and a faster recovery.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for laser gum surgery include patients who are unhappy with their smiles due to:
  • Excess gum tissue
  • An uneven gum line
  • Short, stubby teeth
  • Periodontal disease

Gum Surgery for Cosmetic Reasons

Some patents desire gum surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as excess gum tissue revealing what is known as a “gummy smile” or an uneven gum line resulting in an imbalanced smile. If you have excess gum tissue, your teeth appear short, or you have a crooked gum line causing your straight teeth to appear crooked, we can perform laser gum surgery to create a balanced, enhanced smile. Gum surgery is sometimes combined with porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or teeth whitening to further enhance your results.

Gum Surgery for Periodontal Disease

Gum surgery is also used to treat periodontal disease, a bacterial infection within the gum tissue. If this gum infection goes unaddressed, it can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, and bone deterioration, as well as other systemic issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Using a specific wavelength on the WaterLase®, the dentist can target the diseased tissue and bacteria from the periodontal pockets without damaging nearby healthy tissue. Compared to traditional periodontal surgeries, patients can enjoy a more comfortable procedure with greater precision, less bleeding, and a faster recovery.

Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery provides many benefits, including:
  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • Improved comfort
  • Better precision
  • Less bleeding and lower risk for infection
  • Faster procedure and recovery
  • Fewer office visits
  • Healthy tissue regeneration
  • Higher satisfaction rating

Contact Jersey City Dental Today

If you are unhappy with your smile due to excess or unhealthy gum tissue, you may benefit greatly from laser gum surgery. Send us a message or call our practice at  (201) 332-0403 to schedule your consultation and learn more about WaterLase® technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology is used for gum surgery?

Advanced laser technology, such as the WaterLase® system, may be used to precisely reshape gum tissue while promoting healing. This approach can reduce the need for stitches and support a more comfortable recovery.

Who is a good candidate for gum surgery?

Candidates may include patients with excess gum tissue, an uneven gum line, disproportionate tooth appearance, or periodontal disease. A dental evaluation can determine if treatment is appropriate.

Can gum surgery be performed for cosmetic reasons?

Yes. Gum surgery can improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile or uneven gum line, creating a more balanced and natural-looking result. It may also be combined with other cosmetic treatments.

Does gum surgery treat periodontal disease?

Yes. Gum surgery can help treat periodontal disease by removing infected tissue and bacteria from below the gumline. Laser-assisted techniques may allow for a more precise and efficient approach.

What are the benefits of laser gum surgery?

Laser gum surgery offers a minimally invasive approach with improved precision, reduced bleeding, and a lower risk of infection. Many patients also experience greater comfort and a faster recovery.

How is laser gum surgery different from traditional gum surgery?

Traditional gum surgery typically involves a scalpel and sutures, while laser-assisted procedures use focused energy to reshape tissue. This approach may result in less discomfort and a shorter recovery time.
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Jersey City Dental

Our compassionate team of dental professionals believes in providing conservative care in a comfortable and pleasant environment. Our dentists are affiliated with many esteemed organizations:
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Schedule an appointment at our Jersey City, NJ, practice online or by calling (201) 332-0403.