Understand gum lift, the options to discuss with a qualified clinician and what to confirm before planning a visit to Shiraz.
Key points
- Discuss your individual suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating clinician.
- Ask for written preparation and recovery instructions, including your medicines and follow-up.
- Confirm the healthcare facility, full costs and arrangements before booking travel.
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You’ll have more reasons to smile after gum contouring surgery in Iran!
Gum or gingiva is a layer of soft tissues that covers the root of your teeth. It protects your teeth from bacteria, holds them in place, and gives them an aesthetic look.
However, sometimes when you have excess gum tissue that covers a larger than normal surface of your teeth, you may need to have a treatment called gum lift.
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What is gum lift?
A gum lift, also called gum contouring or gingivectomy, is a procedure that is performed to remove some of the gum tissue, and sometimes bone, from the root of the teeth. A gum lift can be performed for either cosmetic reasons or functional reasons to treat some gum disease.
Reasons for gum lift
Gum lift is usually performed to expose more of the tooth’s surface and make your short teeth appear longer for aesthetic reasons. When your gums overgrow and cover a large portion of the teeth, your teeth can look short and small. A gum lift surgery removes the excess gum to reveal the root of the teeth and add to their length, making them look more aesthetically pleasing.
Sometimes, gum lift can be done to treat some gum diseases when other treatments fail. Gum lift operation will then stop any future damage to the gum and reduce the efforts needed to clean the teeth.
How is a gum lift performed?
- Putting the patient under local anesthesia
- Removing the excess tissues using a scalpel or laser
- Vaporizing the remaining tissues with a special device to reshape the new gum line
- Stitching the gum with sutures
- Cleaning the area with saline and special rinses
- Placing dressing in the mouth around the teeth and gum.
Gum lift recovery
One of the main advantages of the gum contouring procedure is the short recovery. Healing after gum lift is fast. It only takes around a week to recover from the operation.
During gum lift recovery, you should expect some swelling and bleeding for several days. It is quite normal to feel some pain especially a few hours after the procedure as the anesthesia effect fades off.
To reduce gum lift recovery time and speed up the healing process, you should do the following:
- Change the bandages a few times till the bleeding stops
Laser gum lift
With the new advancement in medical technology, a lot of dentists now use laser to remove excess gum tissues. Laser gum lift is more expensive than conventional gum lift. However, laser gum lift recovery is faster, and the possible risks are less as the possibilities of infections are reduced.
Gum lift pros and cons
If you are not sure whether you should undergo gum lift surgery, knowing and comparing the pros and cons of gum lift can help make the right decision.
- There is no need for general anesthesia, thus reducing the risks of allergic reaction to anesthesia.
- You can return home right after the surgery.
- The recovery is quite quick and even quicker for laser gum lift.
- Gum lift can help you have more hygienic teeth.
- Gum lift surgery can increase the sensitivity of your teeth.
- You can have an infection during the recovery period.
- It can be expensive.
- It may not be enough for a perfect smile. You may need to have dental veneers afterward to enhance the appearance of your smile.
Is a gum lift permanent?
Yes, gum lift surgery is permanent. After your dentist removes the excess tissues, they will not grow back.
Gum lift safety
- It can increase the possibility of tooth sensitivity.
- The roots of your teeth may become too much exposed because of gum recession after the procedure. This can especially happen if you brush your teeth too aggressively or use a stiff-bristled toothbrush.
- You will be more prone to teeth decay.
- Infection.
Gum lift vs. crown lengthening
Gum lift and crown lengthening is two similar procedures that are sometimes used interchangeably. While both of the procedures involve removing gum tissue from the root of the teeth, the main difference is that gum lift only removes the extra gum tissues that cover the teeth, while crown lengthening also involves removing some of the bone structure that surround the teeth to make them look more natural.
Gum lift before or after braces
Basically, it is possible to undergo a gum lift procedure before and after having dental braces. Even patients who have braces can have gum lift. However, if you are going to get dental braces it is recommended to undergo a gum lift afterward.
Because wearing dental braces can cause your gum to move, braces after gum lift can have a negative impact on the new shape and contour of your gum.
A practical point for your care
Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.[1]
Planning treatment in Shiraz
Ask SanaMedTour about the appropriate specialty, appointment arrangements and practical support for your visit. The treating clinician confirms the diagnosis, treatment options, suitability and follow-up after assessment.
Request an itemised written quote identifying the clinician, facility, tests, treatment, medicines, reviews and any accommodation or transfers included.
Sources
[1] NHS: Preparing for surgery — supports the individual-care planning note above. ↑ Back to text
Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.