Cosmetic Gum Surgery
Reshaping Your Gumline to Improve Balance and Confidence
Sometimes it’s not your teeth that make you self-conscious — it’s your gums. Whether you feel your smile looks too “gummy” or you’ve experienced gum recession that makes teeth appear longer than they are, cosmetic gum surgery offers a way to improve symmetry, restore natural proportions, and boost your overall confidence.
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Customized Gum Contouring That Works With Your Natural Smile
At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, we provide precise, minimally invasive gum reshaping for patients across Greenwood, Clinton, Coronaca, Cross Hill, and Mountville. These cosmetic procedures are designed to improve both function and appearance — and every treatment plan is carefully tailored to fit your unique smile.
What Is Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
Cosmetic gum surgery is a category of procedures designed to improve the appearance of the gumline. It’s not just about looks — many of these treatments also enhance gum health and provide long-term benefits by protecting the roots of your teeth or improving the balance of your bite.
Depending on your needs, surgery may involve:
- Gum contouring (also called gingival sculpting)
Removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth surface. - Gum line evenness correction
Addresses uneven gums that create a lopsided or irregular smile. - Excess gum tissue removal
Commonly used to correct a “gummy smile” that hides more of the teeth than intended. - Tissue grafting (for recession cases)
Adds healthy tissue to areas where the gums have pulled back, protecting the roots and restoring a fuller gumline.
Each procedure is tailored to create a natural look that complements your unique features.
Why Consider Cosmetic Gum Surgery?
There’s no one reason people choose this treatment — for some, it’s purely aesthetic. For others, it’s about restoring lost tissue and improving oral health. Common motivations include:
- Feeling self-conscious about a “gummy” smile
- Uneven gumlines that affect symmetry
- Teeth that appear too long due to gum recession
- Wanting to prepare for veneers or crowns with proper gum balance
Cosmetic gum surgery can also be part of a broader treatment plan that includes implants, restorative work, or full smile makeovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cosmetic gum surgery painful?
We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and most patients report only mild soreness afterward. Recovery is generally quick, and we’ll provide complete aftercare instructions to make things easier.
How long does it take to heal?
Initial healing typically takes about one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the reshaping or grafting. You’ll receive follow-up care instructions to help ensure smooth healing.
Will my smile look natural?
Absolutely. The goal of cosmetic gum surgery is to enhance your natural smile, not create a “one-size-fits-all” look. We design the contouring or grafting based on your facial structure, tooth shape, and personal preferences.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
When done for aesthetic reasons alone, cosmetic gum surgery usually isn’t covered by insurance. However, if it’s related to gum recession or needed for restorative work, parts of the treatment may qualify. We’ll review your coverage with you and discuss financing options through CareCredit or Cherry if needed.
Am I a good candidate?
If your gums are healthy but you’re unhappy with how they look — or if you’ve experienced mild to moderate gum recession — you’re likely a good candidate. Dr. Aaron B. Carner will assess your gums during a consultation and talk through what’s possible.
Let’s Talk About Creating a Smile You Love
Whether you're here for health reasons or looking to boost your confidence, cosmetic gum surgery could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. We’ll take the time to understand your goals and make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Call (864) 223-0543 or send us a message to request a consultation and start designing a smile that truly feels like you.