Gum Contouring in Asheville, NC
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Your teeth might be perfectly healthy and white, but if your gumline sits too high, too low, or just unevenly, it can still make you feel self-conscious every time you smile. Gum contouring is a simple, effective way to reshape that line and let your smile look the way it was always meant to.
At Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS, we’ve been caring for smiles in western North Carolina for over 30 years, and we know that how your gums frame your teeth matters just as much as the teeth themselves. Dr. Calhoun and our team take a thoughtful, unhurried approach to every procedure, and gum contouring is no exception. Whether you’re dealing with a “gummy” smile or an uneven gumline that bothers you every time you look in the mirror, we’re here to help you feel good about what you see.
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring, sometimes called gingival sculpting, is a procedure that reshapes the gumline to improve the appearance or health of your smile. It can involve removing excess gum tissue that covers too much of your teeth, evening out an asymmetrical gumline, or, in some cases, adding tissue where the gums have receded. The end result is a more balanced, proportional smile that looks natural.
When Is Gum Contouring a Good Fit?
It’s worth knowing that gum contouring isn’t only cosmetic. While plenty of patients come in simply to improve their smile, the procedure also has real clinical applications. Here are some common reasons people consider it:
- Excess gum tissue: Some people naturally have more gum tissue than others, which can make teeth look short or “hidden.” Removing that tissue exposes more of the tooth and creates a cleaner, more even smile.
- Uneven gumline: An asymmetrical gumline, where the gum sits higher on some teeth than others, can make even healthy teeth look off. Contouring brings that line into balance.
- Gum overgrowth from medication: Certain medications can cause the gum tissue to grow abnormally, and contouring helps restore a healthy, comfortable gumline.
- Functional crown lengthening: When a tooth is broken or decayed close to the gumline, there may not be enough tooth structure exposed for a crown or filling to hold properly. Gum contouring can help expose enough of the tooth to make restoration possible.
- Supporting periodontal health: In some cases, reshaping gum tissue makes it easier to clean around teeth, which supports better long-term gum health.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure, so we always take time to understand what’s driving your concerns before recommending a course of action.
How the Gum Contouring Procedure Works
Gum contouring is an in-office procedure, and most patients are surprised by how manageable it is. You’ll be completely comfortable throughout, thanks to local anesthesia applied to the area before we begin. Dr. Travis uses a soft-tissue dental laser to remove or reshape gum tissue with precision. Laser technology makes the process cleaner than a traditional scalpel would, with less bleeding, less irritation to surrounding tissue, and a more comfortable recovery overall.
Gum contouring typically takes between one and two hours, depending on how much reshaping is needed. Most patients go home the same day and are back to their normal routine within a few days. Your gums will gradually settle into their new shape over the following weeks, and the results are permanent for tissue that has been removed.
It’s worth noting that the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research emphasizes how closely gum health is tied to overall oral health, which is why we approach any gum procedure with both aesthetic and long-term health in mind.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from gum contouring is generally mild. You’ll likely have some tenderness and minor swelling in the first few days, and we’ll give you clear guidance on what to eat, how to brush, and what to watch for as you heal. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that’s needed for the first day or two. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the process is.
Dr. Travis attends around 30 hours of continuing education each year to stay current on the latest techniques, ensuring you receive care and precision in your procedure. We use digital tools throughout the process to make sure the reshaping aligns with your overall oral health picture.
Why Choose Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS for Gum Contouring in Asheville
There are plenty of dentists in Asheville, but few with the depth of experience and the relaxed, patient-focused atmosphere that Dr. Calhoun’s office has built over decades. Dr. Travis grew up right here in Asheville and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill dental school. He’s been treating patients in this community for over 30 years, and his philosophy is simple: treat everyone like family, recommend only what’s necessary, and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Our hygiene team is one of the strongest in western North Carolina, with two skilled hygienists who bring real expertise to every appointment. We’re also a fee-for-service practice, which means we file insurance on your behalf but don’t let insurance restrictions determine the care you receive. You get the treatment that’s right for you, not just what happens to be covered. If cost is a concern, we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Cherry to help make your care accessible.
Ready to Reshape Your Smile? Meet Dr. Travis J. Calhoun, DDS
Dr. Travis Calhoun built this practice on the belief that every patient deserves honest recommendations, skilled care, and a visit that doesn’t feel like an ordeal. He keeps his skills sharp so you can trust the hands doing the work.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your gumline, the best first step is a conversation. Dr. Travis will take a look, listen to what’s on your mind, and give you a straight answer about what he recommends and why. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation, and let’s talk about what’s possible for your smile.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Meet Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."