Gum Contouring | Laser Gum Line Reshaping at DSC, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Gum contouring is the reshaping of the gum line to make your smile look more balanced and proportional. It is one of the most effective and least invasive cosmetic dental procedures.
It is done with a laser. No scalpel. No sutures in most cases. One appointment. The result is permanent.
The procedure is performed by Dr. Balasubramanya K V, MDS Periodontist and Fotona LightWalker Certified Operator, using the Fotona LightWalker Er:YAG laser. Every case is planned first using Digital Smile Design, so the new gum line is designed and approved on your own photograph before any laser touches the gum.
What Are Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring removes excess or uneven gum tissue to create a symmetrical, proportional gum line. It is a soft tissue procedure; only the gum is reshaped, not the bone.
It is right for patients whose gum margin sits too high on the teeth (covering too much tooth), or for those in which different teeth have the gum at different heights (creating an uneven look).
It is not suitable for all gummy smile cases. Where the bone beneath the gum also needs adjustment, crown lengthening surgery is the correct treatment. We assess the bone level before every gum-contouring appointment to determine which procedure is needed.
Who is gum contouring for?
Gum contouring is often recommended if you have:
- Gummy smile– too much upper gum shows when you smile, making your teeth look short.
- Uneven gum line– the gum sits at different heights on neighbouring teeth, creating a ragged look.
- One or two short‑looking teeth– extra gum covers those particular teeth more than their neighbours.
- Planned veneers or a smile makeover– the gum line is corrected and allowed to heal before veneers are designed.
- Medication‑related gum overgrowth– after your doctor manages the medication cause, the extra gum is removed for a cleaner smile line.
The procedure – step by step
Using your facial photographs, the dentist digitally designs the ideal gum line for your face and teeth. You see and approve this planned gum position before any treatment; the laser then follows this design rather than relying on guesswork in the chair.
Bone level check
Before starting, the bone beneath the gum is evaluated with CBCT or gentle bone sounding under a topical anaesthetic. If the bone is already at a healthy distance from the planned gum line, a laser‑only procedure is appropriate; if the bone is too close, crown lengthening is advised instead.
Local anaesthetic
The gums are numbed with a topical gel and a small injection to keep you comfortable throughout.
Laser reshaping
The Fotona LightWalker Er:YAG laser is used to remove the planned strip of excess gum. The laser cuts and seals simultaneously, so bleeding is minimal, and the new gum contour is visible immediately. Treating the full upper front gum line typically takes 20–45 minutes.
Recovery and review
You go home the same day with the new gum line in place. Mild tenderness for 24–48 hours is common. A review at around 6 weeks confirms the healed position and, where veneers are planned, marks the start of the cosmetic restoration stage.
- Mild gum tenderness for 24–48 hours after the procedure.
- Dentist‑approved pain relief as needed, often for only a day.
- Soft diet for 2–3 days; avoid hard, crunchy, or very spicy foods.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water three times a day for one week.
- Avoid brushing directly on the treated gum for 5 days; use rinses instead.
- Do not smoke while healing, as it significantly slows gum healing.
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
- Most patients return to work the same day or the next.
You will receive written aftercare instructions, and the DSC team is available by phone during the first week if you have any questions.
Recovery and aftercare
Why choose DSC for gum contouring?
Laser first, minimally invasive approach
Gum contouring at DSC is performed with the Fotona LightWalker Er:YAG laser, giving precise reshaping with minimal bleeding, no scalpel, and usually no sutures, so recovery is quicker and more comfortable. Laser is used only where it is clinically appropriate, not as a blanket marketing add‑on.
Digital Smile Design planning
Your new gum line is planned using Digital Smile Design from your own photos before treatment starts, so the ideal tooth-to-gum proportion is agreed in advance and then delivered with the laser rather than being guessed in the chair.
Bone aware case selection
Before any gum is removed, bone levels are checked (via CBCT or gentle bone sounding) to confirm that a laser-only soft-tissue procedure is safe; when bone is too close, crown lengthening is recommended instead to protect long-term stability.
Specialist led smile work
Gum contouring is performed by a periodontist experienced in laser surgery and coordinated with restorative planning when veneers or other cosmetic work are involved, so the final tooth and gum result is designed as part of a single integrated smile plan.
Gum Contouring Before & After Results
Seeing real cases is often the easiest way to understand what gum contouring can achieve. These are real clinical cases from Dental Solutions Clinic — not stock images or manufacturer-supplied photographs.
Gum Contouring Cost in Bangalore
Laser Gum Contouring (per arch) costs
₹8,000 – ₹18,000
You receive a written treatment plan with exact costs before any treatment starts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser gum contouring painful?
No. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and most patients feel only pressure or warmth during the procedure, not pain.
How long does the procedure take?
Most laser gum contouring procedures take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are treated.
Will my gums grow back after contouring?
In properly assessed cases where the bone level is adequate, the new gum line is stable and does not usually grow back.
Are there any risks or side effects?
When performed by an experienced dentist or periodontist, the risks are low but may include temporary sensitivity, mild swelling, or, rarely, delayed healing.
Is gum contouring only cosmetic, or can it help gum health?
It is primarily cosmetic, but in some cases, removing excess gum tissue can make cleaning easier and reduce plaque‑trapping areas.
Will I need more than one visit?
Most patients need a single treatment visit and one review appointment to check healing and, if planned, start veneers or other cosmetic work.
Can I combine gum contouring with veneers or aligners?
Yes. Gum contouring is often done before veneers or after orthodontic treatment, so teeth and gums are designed together for the final smile.
When can I go back to work or social activities?
You can usually return to work the same day or the next day, as there is little visible swelling and only mild discomfort.