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Laser Gum Treatment
Gum contouring & crown lengthening
Laser gum treatment reshapes excess gum tissue so more of the natural tooth shows, and so the gum line looks more even. At Sunstone Dental in Richmond, each case is planned around your gums, teeth, and goals — with easy access from Katy, Fulshear, and West Houston.
A precise way to reshape the gum line
Laser gum treatment uses a focused dental laser to reshape gum tissue. Two common cosmetic uses are gum contouring — sometimes called a gingivectomy — and crown lengthening.
Contouring can reduce the look of a gummy smile or even out an irregular gum line. Crown lengthening removes excess tissue so more of the tooth shows — for appearance, or so a crown or filling has enough healthy tooth to attach to. Whether either belongs in your plan depends on an examination, not a photograph.
Contouring and crown lengthening
Both use a dental laser to reshape tissue. The difference is why we are reshaping it — and how much of the tooth we need to reveal.
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Laser gingivectomy / gum contouring
For a more even gum line
Reshapes excess gum tissue to improve symmetry and reduce the look of a gummy smile. The aim is a gum line that frames the teeth in proportion — not a dramatic change.
This is often considered when the teeth themselves are a good size, but too much gum shows when you smile.
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Laser crown lengthening
To reveal more of the natural tooth
Removes excess tissue so more of the tooth is visible. That can improve proportions in a smile, or create the room a crown or filling needs to sit against healthy tooth structure.
Crown lengthening is a clinical decision. We’ll explain whether it is for appearance, for a restoration, or both.
What laser gum treatment can offer
A laser is one tool — chosen when it is the gentler, more controlled way to reshape tissue. Healing and comfort still vary from person to person.
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Precise contouring
A laser lets Dr. Wei target tissue with a high degree of control, which helps the gum line look even and intentional.
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Gentler on tissue
Laser energy can seal small vessels as it works, which often means less bleeding during treatment than a conventional approach.
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Comfortable recovery
Many patients experience milder swelling than they expect from gum surgery. How you feel afterward depends on how much tissue is treated.
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Balanced, natural-looking results
The aim is a gum line that frames your teeth in proportion — a refined smile, not an overdone change.
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Support for restorations
Crown lengthening can create the room a crown or filling needs to sit securely against healthy tooth structure.
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Planned with your full smile
Laser work is often sequenced with veneers, whitening, or other cosmetic care so the gums and teeth are designed together.
Common reasons patients ask about laser gum treatment
Laser contouring can be a good fit when the concern is excess or uneven gum tissue and the underlying teeth are healthy. An examination confirms what is appropriate for your situation.
- Gummy smile
- Uneven gum line
- Excess gum tissue
- Short-looking teeth
- Preparing for a crown
- Cosmetic smile balance
Laser contouring is not right for every gum line. Active gum disease, certain medical conditions, or a smile that would be better served by orthodontics or restorative work may call for a different first step.
Your laser gum treatment, step by step
Most cases follow a clear path from first visit to healing. Timelines vary based on how much tissue is treated and whether laser work is part of a larger smile plan.
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Consultation
We discuss your goals and examine your gums, teeth, and bite
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Photos & evaluation
Records help us plan how much tissue to reshape
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Treatment plan
You review the recommended approach before anything is done
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Laser visit
Excess tissue is reshaped with a dental laser under local anesthesia
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Healing & follow-up
Gums settle over the following days and weeks; we check the result
A more balanced smile — with room to heal
Laser gum treatment can make a meaningful difference in how your smile is framed. Results depend on your gum type, how much tissue is treated, and how you heal. Some swelling and tenderness are common at first; it can take a few weeks for tissue to mature into its new shape.
A few things worth knowing:
- A consultation is required to determine whether you are a candidate
- Local anesthesia is typically used; comfort during and after treatment varies
- If gum disease is present, that usually needs to be addressed first
- The change to gum shape is intended to last, though gums can change with age and health
- Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help the result stay stable
We do not promise a specific outcome from a photograph or a website. Your consultation is where we look at what is realistic for your gums and talk through whether laser treatment — or a different approach — is the right fit.
Why patients choose Sunstone for laser gum treatment
Cosmetic care here is planned and carried out by one dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wei — from the first conversation through to the visit that finishes it.
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Conservative by default
We reshape only what is needed for a balanced result. If a smaller change — or none at all — is the better option, we’ll say so.
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Coordinated smile planning
Laser work can be sequenced with veneers, crowns, or whitening so the gums and teeth are designed as one smile.
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Honest recommendations
You’ll receive a clear written plan and time to decide — with no pressure to proceed.
Related cosmetic treatments
Laser gum treatment is one part of cosmetic care at Sunstone. These treatments are often considered alongside — or instead of — gum contouring.
Common Questions About Laser Gum Contouring
Is laser gum contouring worth it?
It can be, especially when excess or uneven gum tissue is what makes the teeth look short or the smile feel unbalanced. Laser contouring can reshape the gumline with a relatively focused procedure. The important part is making sure the gum tissue is actually the reason for the concern before treating it.
Can laser gum contouring fix a gummy smile?
It can help when a gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue covering part of the natural tooth. But not every gummy smile has the same cause. Tooth position, lip movement, jaw structure, and the underlying bone can also play a role, so we first look at why the smile appears gummy before recommending treatment.
Is laser gum contouring painful?
The area is numbed before treatment, so you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is normal as the gums heal. Most patients describe the recovery as manageable, but the amount of soreness depends on how much tissue is treated.
How long do gums take to heal after laser contouring?
Early healing is usually fairly quick, often within about a week, although the gumline can continue settling after that. The exact timeline depends on how many areas are treated and your own healing. We’ll give you specific instructions for brushing, eating, and keeping the area clean afterward.
Can laser treatment fix receding gums?
Not in the same way it can reshape excess gum tissue. Gum recession means the gumline has moved away from the tooth and exposed more of the root. Laser contouring does not regrow missing gum tissue. Depending on the cause and severity, monitoring, treating inflammation, or a gum graft may be more appropriate.
How much does laser gum contouring cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth are involved and how much reshaping is needed. A small adjustment around one or two teeth is different from contouring a larger part of the smile. After examining the gumline, we can explain the proposed treatment and give you a written estimate.
A more balanced smile starts with a conversation
Book a cosmetic consultation and find out whether laser gum treatment is right for you. Convenient for patients from Katy, Richmond, and Fulshear.
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Written treatment plan
- Coordinated smile planning
- Insurance review
- No pressure, no obligation