Aesthetic Dentistry-What to Expect Before, During, and After Laser Gum Lift Surgery
Few people are blessed with the smile they desire. Many can fix their imperfections with orthodontics. But what about problems that go beyond crooked teeth? What are the options when your gums are the problem? Aesthetic dentistry is the answer, and Dr. Helen Ragsdale can help with
Too often, patients don’t understand the importance gums play in the overall appearance of their smile. An abundance of gum coverage can make normal teeth appear small and childlike. Even with perfectly straight teeth, uneven gums can make them seem asymmetrical. A “gummy smile” can affect your confidence.
Laser technology is an excellent option for reshaping and contouring the
Austin Laser Dentist specializes in aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Ragsdale can reduce your gums and even them out with laser gum lift surgery, giving you the smile you have always dreamed of. Learn more about laser gum lift surgery here.
What to Expect Before Your Cosmetic Dentistry Surgery
During a consultation visit, Dr. Ragsdale will perform an oral exam, review your medical history, and perform any necessary diagnostic tests to determine if you are a candidate for gum reshaping. She will then customize a treatment plan with your input.
Before the day of surgery, you will need to get your teeth cleaned.
It is a great idea to stock up on soft foods. After surgery, your gums will be tender. It is best to have a variety of choices available. Some people find cool or cold foods more soothing, while others prefer warm foods. Consider having things like eggs, oatmeal, ice cream, soup, cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetables you can cook to soft, and ingredients for shakes and smoothies. If you usually use mouthwash with alcohol in it, buy some alcohol-free mouthwash while at the store.
If you choose sedation for your surgery, you will need to find someone who can drive you home after your procedure.
There is no reason to make any changes in your medications. However, if you tend to bleed a lot, you may want to avoid aspirin products, as they thin your blood.
We suggest a light meal prior to your procedure. A large, heavy, fatty, or spicy meal increases your risk of nausea and vomiting.
What to Expect During Laser Gum Lift Surgery
While many cosmetic dentists continue to perform gum lifts by cutting and suturing the gums, Dr. Ragsdale utilizes a Waterlase medical laser, which significantly reduces the pain, risk of complications, and recovery time for this procedure.
If you are anxious or fearful, you can choose one of our gentle sedation options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. An excellent sedation option is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It is a nonflammable, colorless, sweet-smelling gas inhaled through a mask over your nose. It will not put you to sleep but produces a dreamlike state in which you are deeply relaxed and experience an allover “feel-good” sensation.
Once you are relaxed and comfortable, Dr. Ragsdale will use numbing medication to all the areas that will be affected by the procedure.
When you are completely numb and comfortable, Dr. Ragsdale will gently remove small amounts of gum tissue with accuracy and precision utilizing the state-of-the-art laser. The laser not only removes tissue, it immediately closes the remaining tissue, greatly reducing bleeding and eliminating the need for stitches. With expertise and a keen eye, she will remove the right amount of tissue to enhance the beauty and symmetry of your smile while keeping it natural looking.
The amount of time the procedure takes depends on the size of the area needing contouring. Most patients require less than an hour.
If you chose nitrous oxide as a sedative, you will need to breathe 100 percent oxygen for a few minutes after the procedure to get the gas out of your system.
What to Expect After Laser Gum Lift
If you did not receive any sedatives, you are free to drive home—however, it is a good idea to have someone else drive you if it’s an option.
While the Waterlase laser technology reduces healing time and swelling significantly, you will still want to follow some basic aftercare guidelines to ensure maximum healing.
You may experience some tenderness or discomfort. This can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (be sure to take the appropriate dose with food). Other options include ice or swishing with warm saltwater.
Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days. If your pain is severe or lasts longer than a week or you experience significant bleeding or swelling, be sure to call your dentist.
Here are a few other tips to help you enjoy a comfortable recovery:
- You should not eat or drink anything until the numbness in your mouth is completely gone.
- As stated above, stick with soft foods. Avoid crunchy, hard, and spicy foods. Stay away from seeds, berries, and chips until completely healed—usually around a week.
- Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
- Stick to your regular dental hygiene routine but be sure to brush and floss gently to avoid overworking the contouring sites.
- Since smoking and tobacco products extend healing time, you should avoid these for at least two days. Better yet, take this opportunity to stop tobacco use altogether.
- Rest is always an important part of healing. Take a few days off any strenuous activity, as this can exacerbate pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Interested in aesthetic dentistry in the Austin or Round Rock area?
Contact Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 today to schedule your consultation.
