FEATHERSTONE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

Gum Contouring

Over 35 years of experience with over 20,000 dental implants placed
& more than 60,000 dental surgeries performed

Gummy Smile and Gum Contouring In Rockford Illinois at Featherstone Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Gummy Smile & Gum Contouring in Rockford, Dixon, Janesville, and Madison

A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue is visible beneath the upper lip. Gum contouring can reshape the gumline to create a more balanced smile and correct uneven gums. Although it’s usually a cosmetic concern, the procedure may also be included in a broader treatment plan involving veneers, crowns, whitening, bridges, or orthodontics.

With over 60,000 dental surgeries performed and over 20,000 dental implants placed, you can be confident that you will receive high-quality care from established professionals that is designed to meet your unique needs. To schedule an appointment for gum contouring or treatment methods for a gummy smile, or if you have any additional questions concerning the procedure or clinic policies, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.

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Before & After Gum Contouring

Schedule an Appointment at one of our 4 convenient locations

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Rockford, ILLINOIS

1055 Featherstone Road, Suite B
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 261-1739
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DIXON, ILLINOIS

629 North Galena Avenue, Suite 230
Dixon, IL 61201
(815) 261-1739
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JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN

111 North Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 208-1576
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MADISON, WISCONSIN

220 W Broadway, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 716-3309
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DR. MARK LINDMAN

Dr. Lindman is a native of Rockford. Dr. Lindman received his professional degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His graduate training in periodontics was completed at Northwestern University College of Dentistry Where he received a Certificate Degree in Periodontics and a Master of Science degree.

DR. LINDMAN

DR. JEFFERY BURCH

Dr. Burch grew up in Villa Park, IL. Dr. Burch attended Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in Biochemistry. Dr. Burch earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.  He received his Certificate Degree in Periodontics and Master of Science from Saint Louis University.

DR. BURCH

DR. BRANDON HULL

Dr. Hull grew up in Monmouth, IL. Dr. Hull earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University and his Certificate in Periodontics from Saint Louis University, Department of Periodontics. While at Saint Louis University, Dr. Hull completed an anesthesia program and uses sedation and pain control techniques in his practice.

DR. HULL

DR. KATRINE ANDREASEN

Dr. Andreasen grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Clemson University. She attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Andreasen continued there to complete a residency in Periodontics and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry.

DR. ANDREASEN

DR. NOVIN PISHEVAR

Dr. Novin Pishevar grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health with a focus on aging populations from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After college, Dr. Pishevar received his dental education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

DR. PISHEVAR

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What are the typical Causes of a Gummy Smile?

The most common reason a patient has a gummy smile is simply due to genetic predisposition. Even so, it is important to determine what, if any, underlying issue is causing you to have a gummy smile.

Additional causes of a gummy smile include:

  • Abnormal tooth eruption
  • Reaction to certain medications
  • Altered active or passive eruption
  • Hypermobile upper lip
  • Hyperactive upper lip
  • Super-eruption of top front teeth
  • Protrusion of the upper jaw
  • Short upper lip
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Vertical maxillary access

Gum Contouring Process Expectations

Prior to performing the gum contouring procedure, we will conduct an in-depth dental and medical health history review to determine the underlying reason why gum contouring is necessary. This process will include an examination of your bite and for any indications of loose teeth, bone loss, TMJ, oral cancer, or signs of periodontal disease.

Once the underlying cause has been identified and it is determined that gum contouring is the appropriate treatment option for you, the procedure will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation. Following this, we will begin to make a series of incisions at the gum line in order to separate the teeth and gums. This can be done using a scalpel, laser, or combination of both. When gum contouring is performed in preparation for dental restoration placement, it may be necessary to modify the underlying bone to allow for proper placement of a crown. Once the exposed roots and bones are reduced, we will contour the surrounding teeth by removing tissue until enough tooth is visible and the desired gumline is achieved. Finally, we will review the aesthetic appearance of your new gumline and place sutures if necessary, after which the procedure will be complete.

Aftercare Following Gum Contouring

Following your gum contouring procedure, it is essential to follow these and any additional post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist to minimize risks and enjoy a fast recovery.

  • To reduce pain or discomfort, take the recommended dosage of prescribed painkillers and/or over-the-counter medication.
  • To reduce swelling, apply an ice bag over the area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
  • Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • Avoid intense physical activity and rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours.
  • Eat soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or soup for the first two weeks and slowly reintroduce harder foods as the healing process progresses.

By following these instructions and continuing to keep your teeth and gums clean, you will enjoy a fast healing process and can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Contact Featherstone

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rockford
1055 Featherstone Road
Suite B, Rockford, IL 61107

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DIXON
629 North Galena Avenue, Suite 230 Dixon, IL 61021

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janesville
111 North Main Street Janesville, WI 53545

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madison
5709 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719

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Cost of Gum Contouring and/or Correcting a Gummy Smile

The cost of gum contouring or treating a gummy smile will depend on several factors, such as whether or not dental sedation is used, the severity of your case, and your dental insurance plan. It is important to be aware that gum contouring performed for cosmetic reasons may not be covered by dental insurance plans. All the same, if you are covered under a dental insurance plan, we do ask that you bring your insurance cards and any necessary forms with you to your appointment. We are happy to provide a pre-estimate of dental benefits prior to treatment, and will submit any receipts, forms, or other information required by your insurance company. Once insurance payment has been received, the remaining balance will be mailed to you.

At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, comprehensive periodontal services, which is why we provide you with flexible payment options to ensure that you receive the care you require.

Please note: our office does offer a 5% reduction in fee for full payment at the time services are provided (contingent on treatment type). We also offer extended payment plans through GreenSky Patient Solutions or CareCredit. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express.

Periodontal Care You Can Trust at featherstone

At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we focus on early detection, effective at-home care, and conservative treatment. Although surgical options are available, we avoid surgery whenever possible.

To learn more about clinic policies or schedule an appointment for gum contouring or treating a gummy smile, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.

EVERY PATIENT UNIQUE. EVERY SMILE SPECIAL.

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