Aesthetic Dentistry
Treatments that change how teeth look — whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns and alignment — planned around your bite and overall oral health.
Gum recontouring (also called gum reshaping or gingival sculpting) adjusts the level and shape of the gum tissue around your teeth. It can even out an uneven gum line, reduce a "gummy" smile where the gums cover a large part of the teeth, or expose enough of a tooth for a filling or crown to be fitted.
It's done for cosmetic reasons (an even, balanced smile) or functional ones — exposing enough tooth for restorative work, often called crown lengthening. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic; the dentist removes or reshapes a small amount of gum tissue using a scalpel, electrosurgery, or a dental laser, usually in a single visit for a few teeth.
Healing is generally quick — mild soreness for a few days, with soft foods and gentle brushing while it settles. A consultation first checks the gums are healthy, since any gum disease is treated before reshaping.
Who it's for
People who want to even out an uneven gum line or reduce a 'gummy' smile, or who need to expose enough of a tooth for a filling or crown. The gums are checked to be healthy first, and any gum disease is treated before reshaping.
Time and visits
Usually a single visit under local anaesthesia for a few teeth, with the length depending on how much reshaping is needed.
Recovery and aftercare
Mild soreness for a few days, helped by soft foods and gentle brushing around the area while it settles. The gum line continues to mature over the following weeks.
Risks and considerations
Some tenderness, minor bleeding or sensitivity afterwards, and the gum may rebound slightly as it heals. Reshaping is limited by the underlying bone and tooth, which the dentist checks beforehand.
FAQ
Gum Recontouring: frequently asked questions
What's the difference between gum recontouring and crown lengthening?
They overlap. Recontouring usually means reshaping gum tissue (often cosmetic); crown lengthening exposes additional tooth structure — sometimes including a little bone — to allow a filling or crown. Your dentist will advise which applies.
Is gum recontouring painful?
It's done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is normal and usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does gum recontouring take to heal?
The gum surface typically settles within one to two weeks. Most people return to work or school the same or next day.
Can crown lengthening improve a "gummy smile"?
Yes, crown lengthening is often performed to address a "gummy smile" by exposing more of the natural tooth structure and creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Is the result of gum recontouring permanent?
Reshaped gum tissue generally stays in place. Healthy gums and good oral hygiene help keep the result stable over time.
Show 1 more question
Is gum recontouring claimable under MediSave or CHAS?
Purely cosmetic reshaping generally isn't claimable. When it's part of necessary restorative treatment, it may be — check with the clinic.
Explore
All procedures → Related procedures
Veneers
Thin porcelain or composite shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to change their shape and colour, commonly used for chips, gaps and discolouration.
Gum Treatment
Treats gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease), from deep cleaning of the root surfaces (scaling and root planing) to gum surgery where bone loss has occurred.