Gum Filling: What Is It? Cost And Recovery Time

Gum filling, also called (gum contouring) is a way to correct and treat receding gum. So, if you are struggling with receding gums and wonder what your options could be, you are not alone!

A recent CDC report1 provides the following data related to periodontitis, also known as gum recession disease; in the U.S.A, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease increases with age; 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. This condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs. 38.4%), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), those with less than a high school education (66.9%), and current smokers (64.2%)

Also, according to a report by World Health Organization, it was stated that severe periodontal diseases are estimated to affect around 14% of the global adult population, representing more than one billion cases worldwide1. 

Now you know that you are not alone in this. Gum recession affects many people in their adulthood. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about receding gums and the fillings for gum filling procedure.

What is gum filling?

A gum filling or gum contouring is a relatively simple procedure performed by a dentist. When recession causes exposed roots and gaps between the teeth, gumline fillings quickly correct the problem with composite materials.

Gum contouring helps restore and protect teeth that have been affected by gum recession, decay, and sensitivity. It is a treatment that’s designed to assist in the restoration of roots and gaps between teeth alignment.

Dentists may recommend placing a white filling over the tooth root area that receding gums have exposed.

What causes the need for gum filling?

Gum filling can be needed due to decay or severe gum recession, periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, smoking, and even genetics. Also, abrasion, ab-fraction, and cavities along the gum lines can cause the need for gum fillings. Chemical erosion can dissolve tooth structure also. 

Abfraction is thought to be caused by tooth flexure from biting and chewing forces. It is postulated that tiny particles of tooth structure fracture off at the cervical area, eventually getting deep enough that it would need to be repaired.

Chemical erosion: Chemical erosion can come from acidic foods or reflux of stomach acids, bad toothpaste, and hard toothbrush.

Gum filling procedure

Gum contouring is usually the work of a periodontist or a cosmetic dentist. It’s an in-office procedure that will require a visit. During the process, the doctor will use a soft tissue laser or scalpel to remove excess gum tissue and resculpt the gumline to expose more of the tooth. Sutures may be used to hold the gum tissue in place.

The gumline filling procedure is not painful because you’ll be given local anesthesia before the process starts. During the course, your dentist will choose the shade of resin that most closely matches the shade of your teeth.

Then, they will roughen the area where the filling will sit and deliver a conditioning liquid (A local anesthetic may be applied). 

The resin will be applied next, and the dentist shapes and smooths it to the desired shape before hardening it with a special light.

Once the composite is complex, the dentist uses their tools to trim, shape, and polish the final product. Depending on the number of fillings needed, this procedure could take upwards of an hour.

Gum filling recovery time

How Long Does Recovery Take? Most gum contouring procedures require anywhere from one week to Ten days to fully heal. The extensiveness of the work largely determines the healing window.  

If only a small amount of tissue is removed, healing will likely take only a few days. Check out Detail guide on recovery time, medications, and foods to eat. 

Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the healing of your gum. Follow-up may not be necessary for minor to moderate gum lifts as long as recovery goes as planned.

Gum filling cost

Gum contouring costs from $50-$350 for one tooth and up to $3,000 for all of your front top teeth, depending on your need, the extent of tissue and the work that needs to be done varies for individuals’ needs.

Gun contouring is often done for cosmetic reasons, making it an elective procedure — meaning it isn’t medically necessary. For this reason, dental insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost.

Dental insurance may cover part of the cost if your dentist recommends gum contouring for oral health reasons. You’ll want to talk to your dental insurance provider for details about how much is covered.

How long does Gum contouring last?

Gum contouring is permanent, as tissue does not regrow. For many patients, the results of the gum filling procedure are permanent and do not need to be repeated. Typically, gums do not grow back after being shaped. 

Maintaining and cleaning the teeth regularly can help prevent further irritation or recession. 

Do gums grow back after filling?

Unfortunately, the same applies to the gum tissue, much like how enamel cannot grow back after it has been lost. After the gums have receded, they will not grow back. 

That means it’s essential to take as much care of your gum tissue as possible while you still have them to avoid problems in the future.

Conclusion

This article is not to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.