Gum Contouring in Santa Rosa, CA

What Can Gum Contouring Do for Your Smile?

Gum contouring, also called gum reshaping, is a cosmetic dental procedure that changes the outline of the gum tissue around the teeth. It may help address a gummy smile, uneven gumlines, or teeth that appear shorter because excess gum tissue covers part of their visible surfaces.

The goal is to create a more harmonious relationship between your teeth and gums while preserving healthy tissue and supporting your oral health.

Is Gum Contouring the Right Option for You?

Treatment may be appropriate if you have excess gum tissue or an uneven gumline. However, a gummy smile can also result from jaw structure, tooth position, or how your upper lip moves when you smile. These factors may require a different approach.

During an examination, your dentist can assess your gum health, tooth proportions, and the cause of your concerns before recommending treatment. Active gum disease or other oral health problems may need attention before cosmetic reshaping is considered.

What to Expect During Gum Contouring

Gum contouring typically involves an initial evaluation, reshaping the gumline, and following aftercare instructions to support healing. The exact process depends on your gum health, the amount of tissue involved, and your dentist’s treatment plan.

Initial Examination and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will examine your gums and teeth to determine the cause of an uneven gumline or gummy smile. They will assess whether reshaping is appropriate, explain the expected changes, and discuss potential risks and alternatives before treatment begins.

Gumline Reshaping

Depending on your needs, your dentist may use a dental laser or traditional surgical instruments to remove or reshape excess gum tissue. Local anesthesia may be used to help manage discomfort during the procedure. The technique and extent of reshaping will depend on your individual clinical needs.

Recovery and Aftercare

Mild tenderness, swelling, or tooth sensitivity may occur after treatment. Healing time varies depending on the extent of reshaping and your individual response. Follow your dentist’s instructions for eating, brushing, and caring for the treated area while it heals.

Attend any recommended follow-up appointments so your dentist can assess your healing.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations?

Gum contouring can improve the balance between your teeth and gums when excess tissue or an uneven gumline affects your smile. Potential benefits include:

A More Balanced Smile: Reshaping excess gum tissue can create a more even gumline.
More Visible Tooth Structure: Removing excess tissue may make teeth appear longer.
Improved Smile Proportions: A more defined gumline may complement the natural shape of your teeth.
Support For Other Cosmetic Treatments: Gum contouring may be combined with veneers or dental bonding when appropriate.

However, gum contouring is not suitable for every gummy smile. Tooth position, jaw structure, and upper lip movement may require alternative treatments. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession if too much tissue is removed.

Results are generally long-lasting, but gum tissue can change over time. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental examinations can help support gum health after treatment.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, cosmetic periodontal procedures may improve the appearance of the gums and smile. Your dentist can determine whether gum contouring is appropriate for your needs.

How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

At Stunning Smiles, gum contouring is estimated at $125–$500 per tooth, with extensive cases costing approximately $2,000–$3,000. Actual costs vary based on the number of teeth treated, the amount of tissue reshaped, and the procedure's complexity.

Your dentist can provide a personalized estimate after an examination. Ask the practice about available payment options and whether your dental insurance may cover any portion of treatment.

Can Gum Contouring Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Gum reshaping may be part of a broader cosmetic plan when several aspects of your smile need attention. The right sequence depends on your oral health, goals, and the treatments being considered.

Porcelain Veneers: May change the appearance of tooth shape, size, and color.
Dental Bonding: May address selected chips, small gaps, or minor tooth-shape concerns.
Teeth Whitening: Can brighten natural teeth without reshaping the gumline.
Clear Aligners: May help correct certain alignment concerns when orthodontic treatment is appropriate.

Your dentist can explain which options fit your needs and whether treatments should be completed in a particular order. Explore the practice's full range of cosmetic dentistry services or discuss a personalized smile makeover plan.

Explore Your Gum Contouring Options

Stunning Smiles can help you determine whether gum contouring is right for your smile and discuss suitable treatment options.

Visit us at 2345 4th St, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM–5 PM.

Request an appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum contouring permanent?

The reshaped gumline is generally long-lasting, but gum tissue can change over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations help maintain gum health.

How many appointments will I need?

The number depends on the extent of treatment and your oral health. Your dentist can explain the likely appointment schedule after evaluating your gumline.

Can gum contouring cause gum recession?

Excessive tissue removal or healing complications may expose tooth roots or affect gum support. Careful assessment and conservative treatment help manage these risks.

Will I need time off work?

Many patients can return to routine activities relatively soon, but tenderness or swelling may affect comfort. More extensive procedures may require additional recovery time.

Does gum contouring treat gum disease?

Gum contouring is primarily a cosmetic procedure, not a substitute for periodontal treatment. Existing gum disease should be evaluated and managed before elective reshaping.

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Our Reviews

What Our Patients Say

From first visit to lasting results, our patients share what it's like to receive personalized, holistic dental care at Stunning Smiles in Santa Rosa.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deck Julio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vickie Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patti Barrett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Don Weaver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Breckenridge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable.  Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca.  If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Lazark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haakon Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care

Write a review

Deck Julio

The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.

Vickie Miles

I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.

Patti Barrett

Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.

Alyssa

I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough

Don Weaver

I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.

Amy Breckenridge

Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable. Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca. If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!

Nancy Lazark

I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him

Haakon Williams

Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!

Andrew Harrison

Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care