Gum Contouring in Charleston, Camden, Summerville, James Island & West Ashley, SC

Your gums frame your smile. When they sit too low, too high, or unevenly across your teeth, the balance of your entire smile changes. Gum contouring corrects this. At Ammons Dental By Design, our dentists reshape your gum line with precision laser technology, giving you a smile with even proportions and healthy gum tissue. We serve patients across five convenient South Carolina locations.

What Is Gum Contouring?

Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure. It removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth and create an even gum line. Dentists also call it gum reshaping or gingival sculpting.

Some patients have gums that cover too much of their teeth. This creates a “gummy smile” and makes healthy teeth look short. Others have a gum line that sits unevenly, so some teeth appear longer than others. Gum contouring fixes both problems in a single visit.

Our team uses a dental laser for most gum contouring procedures. The laser gently removes tissue, seals the area as it works, and reduces bleeding and recovery time compared to older surgical methods.

Signs You Could Benefit from Gum Contouring

You are likely a good candidate for gum contouring if you notice any of the following:

Your gums cover a large portion of your teeth when you smile.
Your teeth look short or small compared to your gums.
Your gum line sits higher on some teeth than on others.
Your gums appear uneven after orthodontic treatment.
You want a more balanced smile before getting veneers or crowns.
Genetics, certain medications, or gum overgrowth changed the shape of your gum line.

A consultation at Ammons Dental By Design confirms whether gum contouring is right for you. Our dentists examine your gums, check for underlying gum disease, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Benefits of Gum Contouring

Gum contouring delivers results you see immediately. Key benefits include:

A balanced smile: Reshaping the gum line can bring symmetry to your teeth and improve your overall appearance.
More visible teeth: Removing excess tissue reveals the full length of your natural teeth.
Minimal discomfort: Laser gum contouring requires only a local anesthetic, and most patients report only mild soreness.
Fast recovery: Most patients return to normal routines within a day or two.
Better gum health: Removing overgrown tissue eliminates deep pockets where bacteria collect.
A stronger foundation for cosmetic work: An even gum line improves the final result of veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening.
Permanent results: Reshaped gum tissue does not grow back.

The Gum Contouring Procedure at Ammons Dental By Design

Our process keeps you comfortable from start to finish:

Consultation and exam

Your dentist examines your gum line, tooth proportions, smile balance, and overall gum health. Digital images may be taken, and the proposed contour is carefully marked so you can understand the expected shape and appearance before treatment begins.

Local anesthetic

Before reshaping begins, your dentist applies local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the treatment area. You remain awake throughout the appointment, but the numbing medicine helps prevent pain and keeps you comfortable while the dentist works on your gum line.

Laser reshaping

Using a precise dental laser, your dentist removes small amounts of excess gum tissue and sculpts a smoother, more even contour. The laser also seals tissue as it works, helping reduce bleeding and supporting a more comfortable recovery.

Final review

After reshaping is complete, your dentist checks the gum line from several angles to confirm symmetry, proportion, and smoothness. Any minor refinements are made before you leave, and you receive clear aftercare instructions to support proper healing at home.

Most gum contouring procedures are completed in one visit, although appointment length varies based on the number of teeth treated and the complexity of reshaping. You can see the improved gum line immediately, with results becoming clearer as healing progresses.

Meet Dr. Michael Ammons

Dr. Michael Ammons, DMD, combines advanced training with a patient-first approach to create healthy, confident smiles. After graduating magna cum laude from Clemson University, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He further refined his clinical skills through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, where he received extensive surgical training.

With years of experience performing precise dental procedures, Dr. Ammons is committed to delivering natural-looking results while prioritizing patient comfort. Whether you’re seeking gum contouring to improve your smile’s appearance or create a more balanced gum line, Dr. Ammons develops personalized treatment plans designed to achieve beautiful, lasting results.

Top rated dental clinics in south Carolina

“Dr Ammons and his staff have truly changed my life. For years I hated to take photos or I hid in the back to hide my smile. Since this journey has started I now love taking photos and make memories. It’s amazing the growth and confidence they have provided me. Highly professional and personable. They actually listen and ask about any concerns. Top quality. Forever grateful!”

“The staff are super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I actually look forward to my appointments no matter what I have going on dental wise because I know I’m in the best care in the Low Country. If you are looking for a new place and/or not happy with where you have been going; I highly recommend Ammons Dental by Design”

“A very good experience in a very stressful situation. Dr Ammons is very personable and skilled. He made me feel comfortable and accomplished an implant at my visit. It was an emergency for me and the first time I had used his services. I will use Ammons for all my dental care in the future”

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after laser gum contouring is quick. Follow these simple steps for the best healing:

Eat soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, and pasta for the first few days.
Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods while your gums heal.
Brush gently around the treated area with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use over-the-counter pain relief if you feel mild soreness.
Attend your follow-up visit so we can confirm proper healing.

Most patients feel back to normal within 48 hours. Full gum healing takes about one to two weeks.

DENTAL FINANCING OPTIONS AT AMMONS DENTAL

Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here. please call for clarity.

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Why Choose Ammons Dental By Design for Gum Contouring?

Patients across South Carolina choose our team for personalized cosmetic and general dental care. Here is what sets our approach apart:

Advanced laser technology: Our dental lasers allow dentists to reshape excess gum tissue with precise control while helping minimize bleeding, discomfort, and recovery time during appropriate gum contouring procedures.
Experienced dentists: Our multi-specialty dental team plans gum contouring around your gum health, tooth proportions, and cosmetic goals, with additional smile treatments available under one roof when needed.
Comfort-focused care: We explain each stage of treatment, answer your questions, and provide local anesthesia and available sedation options to help anxious patients feel more comfortable throughout care.
Five convenient locations: You can schedule gum contouring at our Downtown Charleston, James Island, Camden, Summerville, or West Ashley office, making coordinated dental care easier to access close to home.
Flexible payment options: Our team reviews your insurance benefits and estimated costs before treatment. Eligible patients may also use financing options such as CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, and others.

Schedule Your Gum Contouring Consultation Today

Your ideal smile is one appointment away. Call the Ammons Dental By Design office nearest you and let our team show you what gum contouring will do for your smile.

Proudly serving Charleston, Camden, Summerville, James Island & West Ashley, SC. Book your appointment today.