Category: health

THE COST OF GUM CONTOURING: IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Contouring gums is a worthwhile investment for people who want to improve the look of their smile. For Health and cosmetic reasons, gum contouring can enhance your oral health.  It also reshapes your gumline to bring symmetry to your appearance.

What are the benefits of gum contouring?

Gum contouring offers numerous health advantages if you have periodontal disease. But the treatment is most often used for cosmetic dentistry to bring dramatic results.

Some of the advantages of gum contouring:

• Reduces infections and decay due to periodontal disease.
• Evens out gingival displays, or “gummy smiles”
• Brings uniformity to your smile.
• Enhances symmetry to an uneven gum line.
• Makes Small, boxy teeth appear larger.
• Eliminates extra gum tissue covering your teeth.

Gum contouring for cosmetic dental treatment

If you are among the 10 percent of the population with a gummy smile, gum contouring can enhance your smile. Other people have a ragged or irregular gumline that detracts from an otherwise pleasing smile. Cosmetic gum contouring reshapes your gumline to bring more uniformity. 

Gum contouring to treat oral health problems

Gum contouring for oral health reasons is recommended mostly for patients with advanced periodontal disease. Receding gums create pockets which can lead to bacterial buildup and plaque formation. Reshaping and restoring gums staves off infections, decay, and cavities. When prescribed for health reasons, gum contouring is usually covered by insurance. Always speak with your dental insurance company or your dentist’s office when in doubt. 

How much does gum contouring cost?

The cost of gum contouring depends upon a few factors. Treatment is usually based upon the number of teeth, where you live and the amount of experience your dentist has. Cost can vary widely from $100-$400 per tooth. The average cost to contour all your top front teeth runs in the range of about $3,000. 

Gum contouring is permanent and does not need to be repeated, so the treatment is a one-time cost. As mentioned, gum contouring for medical reasons is covered under insurance. Gum reshaping for cosmetic reasons are strictly out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to talk to your dental insurance provider to find out what’s covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses are. You can also discuss payment options with our dental care staff. 

Is gum contouring worth it?

Unless you are being treated for advanced periodontal disease, the decision to undergo gum contouring is a personal decision. How we perceive our looks often affects our self-esteem. If you are self-conscious about your smile, investing in gum contouring is well-worth the investment. 

Talk to Dr. Frahm about gum contouring to perfect your smile and enhance your dental aesthetics.

The quality of your oral health is connected to your physical wellness. The oral-systemic health connection impacts your body, medical costs, and quality of life.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, oral health and physical health are interdependent. Existing health conditions can increase the risk of oral disease. Conversely, poor oral health can result in the development of health conditions.

Fortunately, with proper care and attention, you can prevent oral-systemic health issues.

How does poor oral health cause other health problems?

Nutrition enters your body through your mouth. And your mouth happens to be teeming with bacteria. Some of the bacteria are good. They are the first step in the digestive process. Other bacteria can be harmful to your health.

If you’re not diligent about keeping your mouth clean, bad bacteria can proliferate. This can lead to tooth decay and periodontitis or gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause some serious health conditions. In fact, gum disease can be linked to three of the four pillars of chronic disease including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune problems.

Health conditions that can be caused by poor oral health

The following serious health conditions can be the result of poor dental health:

Cardiovascular disease
Research suggests infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria can result in heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Endocarditis
This bacterial infection that enters your body through the mouth or other areas affects the proper functioning of your heart.

Birth complications
Gum disease can cause premature births and low birth weight.

Pneumonia
Respiratory diseases and pneumonia are caused by bacteria in your mouth that has been pulled into your lungs.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Some studies suggest that bacteria that develops into gum disease also caused neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and senile plaque formation. These in turn can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Certain diseases themselves can lower the body’s resistance to infection and compromise oral health.

Diabetes
Studies show a reciprocal relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes makes it hard for the body to fight infections, which can cause gum disease. And people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. So, treating periodontal disease reduces the need for insulin.

Osteoporosis
This bone-weakening disease also causes tooth loss.

Protect your oral health to improve your overall health

It’s not hard to maintain your oral health. By following a few simple oral care tips, you can supports good oral-systemic health for the long haul.

1. Brush your teeth, gently, twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride. toothpaste. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
2. Floss daily.
3. Rinse with therapeutic mouthwash to wash away any excess bacteria.
4. Visit Dr. Frahm for regular dental checkups, your oral cancer screening, and cleanings.

If any oral health problems arise, contact Dr. Frahm. By taking care of your oral health, you’re making a worthwhile investment in your overall health.