Riverside Dental

Make An Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
    • Riverside: 435-673-3363
    • Washington: 435-656-4441

What is a Gum Lift Procedure?

September 15, 2022 By Riverside Dental Leave a Comment

Could you benefit from a gum lift?

A gum lift is sometimes called a crown lengthening treatment or a gummy smile fix. In a gum lift, we reduce the amount of gum tissue around specific teeth. This allows for more of your tooth structure to be seen.

Why Would You Want A Gum Lift Procedure?

There are several reasons why a gum lift could benefit you. Some reasons are therapeutic, and others are for cosmetic purposes. Here are some common reasons why our dentists perform a gum lift:

  • Restorative Needs: You may have a tooth that needs a crown. Sometimes tissue around a tooth can be pretty high and may not allow for great crown coverage. Your dentist may recommend crown lengthening to remove some of the tissue around your tooth for a better fitting crown.
  • Gum Disease Therapy: Deep pocketing around your teeth can create difficulty managing gum disease. Performing pocket reduction (which is basically a gum lift procedure) allows for reduced pocket depths and easier homecare.
  • Cosmetic Treatment: Do your teeth look short? Do you have gum tissue that doesn’t seem symmetric on one side of your smile versus the other? It’s usually genetics; however, excessive gum tissue can result from medication or hormone changes. Reducing the amount of gum tissue in certain areas through a gum lift procedure could help your smile.

Don’t Forget About Your Health History!

Your medical and dental history is important to us! Before you have a gum lift procedure, we will ask you various questions. We will want to know what medications you are taking and also if you’ve had any reactions during previous dental procedures or past surgeries.

Understanding your background is important in how and why we perform gum lift procedures.

Does This Procedure Hurt?

At Riverside Dental Care, we care about your comfort. We can do many things to help keep you comfortable with this procedure. Anesthesia is used for this dental procedure, and if you are feeling anxious, dental sedation can also be incorporated into your dental appointment.

Modern laser technology has helped advance gum lift procedures. Thanks to lasers, gum lift procedures are now faster, and healing time is much quicker. Previously gum lifts were done by making incisions and using sutures. Today’s soft tissue lasers cauterize tissue as it removes it, and sutures aren’t usually needed. This helps with less bleeding and less swelling.

Why Would My Orthodontists Recommend That I Have A Gum Lift Procedure?

Sometimes the gum lift procedure is combined with other cosmetic procedures to help improve your smile. Your orthodontist may use braces to realign your teeth and then a gum lift procedure to adjust the contour of your gum tissue to make your smile more aesthetically pleasing.

Is A Gum Lift Procedure Permanent?

Laser gum shaping is a permanent procedure. Gum tissue that is removed will not grow back, and your new contour lines are here to stay. Therefore, it’s essential to have this procedure done by a trained and experienced dentist. At Riverside Dental, our team of dentists specializes in laser therapy.

Not happy with your smile? Wondering if laser therapy could help re-contour your smile? Call our dental team at Riverside Dental for a consultation! Our trained staff will help you determine the best options for improving your smile.

Filed Under: Dental Hygiene Tips, General Dentistry, Gum Disease

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Send your Resume

  • Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 8 MB.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Make An Appointment

Meet Riverside Dental Care

Let us be your St. George Dentist! As the premier St. George dental office, we work hard to make sure you enjoy your trip to the dentist by providing the most advanced dental care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 435-673-3363 or click on the link above and fill out the Appointment Request Form.

Recent Blog Posts

  • Transform Your Smile with Riverside Dental Group’s Expert Cosmetic Dentistry

    At Riverside Dental Group, we believe a confident smile can change your...
  • Protect Your Smile: How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease in Utah’s Dry Climate

    Utah is no stranger to extreme temperatures. Our state experiences blazing summers...
  • The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Disease: What St. George Residents Need to Know

    When you visit your dentist, usually you hear lectures about flossing and...
  • The Truth About Dry Mouth: Why St. George’s Climate Might Be Affecting Your Oral Health

    Living in St. George, Utah, you're probably used to the stunning red...
  • Sedation Dentistry in St. George: Making Dental Visits Comfortable and Stress-Free

    Fear of going to the dentist is a real thing. It even...
  • The Top 5 Benefits of Dental Implants for a Healthy, Confident Smile

    Missing a tooth? That can make it difficult to chew, to speak,...
  • Smile Makeovers in St. George: Achieving the Smile of Your Dreams

    Your smile is often the first thing people notice. It affects your...
  • Top 5 Dental Care Tips for St. George Families – Riverside Dental Group Shares Expert Advice

    At Riverside Dental Group, we know that maintaining a healthy smile is...
  • How to Choose the Best Dentist in St. George, Utah

    Choosing the right dentist for you and your family is an important...
  • Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Essential for Your Overall Health

    Taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a sparkling smile....

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment you can call us at

(435) 673-3363

Or click on the "Request Appointment" button below to fill out our online form.

Make an appointment

If you have a dental Emergency, please call this number for help:

(435) 673-3363


stgeorgesmiles@gmail.com

LINKS

  • New Patients
  • Patient Forms
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Financing Options
  • Dental Services
  • Dental Emergency
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Contact

Washington Location

(435) 656-4441
826 S 3000 E Ste 2
St George, UT 84790
Get Directions

Riverside Location

(435) 673-3363
368 E. Riverside Dr. Ste 2A
St. George, UT 84790
Get Directions
Copyright © 2025 Riverside Dental Care. All Rights Reserved
MENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Riverside Drive Office
    • Washington Office
  • Services
    • Smile Gallery
    • Bruxism
    • Composite Fillings
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Crowns
    • Dental Cleanings
    • Dentures
    • Dental Emergency
    • Dental Implants
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Veneers
  • New Patient Info
    • New Patient Forms
  • Community
    • Blog
    • Newsletter
  • Financing
  • Contact
    • Riverside: 435-673-3363
    • Washington: 435-656-4441
Make an appointment
Washington Location Appointment
Riverside Location Appointment