Achieving a Natural Look with Gum Contouring for Dental Implants

I often write about gums and gum shaping in my blogs because of their essential role in maintaining the health of teeth and dental implants. This is especially pertinent when providing replacement teeth that are supported by dental implants at the front of the mouth. To ensure a natural union between gums and teeth, the natural curvature of the gum line must be accurately replicated around the dental implants.

Why is this important?

This is an important part of the replacement tooth process, as not only does it make the tooth look natural like the adjacent teeth, but it also helps to provide a naturally cleansable area around the replacement tooth, with fewer micro–gaps for food and bacteria to accumulate. To achieve this, the gums must be manipulated to recreate the precise gum contours. However, this process can be challenging, as every patient has a different ‘biotype’ – which describes the genetically coded ‘thickness’ or ‘thinness’ of their gums, as well as a different level of keratinised tissue. Our dental team assess these parameters for each patient to plan the correct approach when aiming to recreate natural and healthy gum contours around the replacement dental implant supported teeth.

Teeth in the aesthetic smile zone

Implant dentistry in the aesthetic zone must factor in the management of soft tissue for successful outcomes. The cosmetic appearance of the final tooth is a major factor when determining the success of the treatment. To ensure predictable and consistent results, we consider it essential that implant surgeons offer gum contouring as part of their aesthetic implant treatment.

I am deeply intrigued by the concept of gum contours in implant dentistry, particularly due to the major role they play in determining the long–term success of dental implants.

Thank you for reading,

Mohsin Patel BDS MJDF RCS ENG