The appearance of a smile is not only determined by the teeth — the gum line plays an equally important role. At Pro Estetik Dental Clinic in Izmir, Turkey, Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Selim Bilgin offers a full range of gum reconstruction procedures to correct gummy smiles, receding gums and uneven gum lines, restoring both aesthetics and long-term oral health.
Gum reconstruction at Pro Estetik covers two main areas: gummy smile correction (crown lengthening / gum contouring), which removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth, and soft tissue grafts, which cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. Both procedures are available using advanced laser technology for faster healing and greater precision.
Crown lengthening (also called gum contouring or gingivectomy) is the procedure used to correct a gummy smile and uneven gum lines. When teeth appear short or are disproportionately covered by gum tissue, Dr. Bilgin uses a diode laser or surgical scalpel to carefully remove the excess gingival tissue and reshape the gum line.
The result is teeth that appear longer, more proportionate and more symmetrical — creating a more balanced and attractive smile. For gummy smile cases where the bone crest is also too close to the enamel, osseous recontouring (minor bone reshaping) may be performed at the same time to achieve a stable, long-lasting result.
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root surface. This can cause tooth sensitivity, an unattractive elongated appearance, and — if left untreated — eventual tooth loss. Soft tissue grafting restores the lost gum tissue and covers the exposed root to protect it.
The most common technique used by Dr. Bilgin is the connective tissue graft (subepithelial connective tissue graft): a small amount of tissue is harvested from the roof of the mouth (palate) and sutured over the receded area. The tissue integrates with the existing gum over 8–12 weeks, providing lasting root coverage and a natural gum contour.
The two main gum reconstruction procedures address opposite problems. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Gummy Smile Correction | Soft Tissue Graft |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Addressed | Excess gum covering too much tooth | Receded gum exposing tooth root |
| Procedure | Gum tissue removed (laser or surgery) | Tissue grafted from palate to gum |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Recovery | 3–7 days (laser faster than surgery) | 2 weeks initial; 8–12 weeks full integration |
| Cost at Pro Estetik | From £150 per tooth | From £300 per tooth |
| Is It Permanent? | Yes — gum does not regrow | Yes — with good oral hygiene |
| Combined With | Veneers, crowns, Hollywood Smile | Crowns, implants, periodontal treatment |
Whether you are having gummy smile correction or a gum graft, your treatment follows a structured process that prioritises precision, comfort and lasting results.
Dr. Bilgin performs a thorough clinical assessment including periodontal probing, X-rays and digital photography. For gummy smile cases, the bone crest position is evaluated to determine the correct treatment approach. For gum recession, the extent and cause of recession is diagnosed.
Under local anaesthesia, the procedure is carried out with precision. Laser gum contouring uses a diode laser to sculpt the gum line with minimal bleeding and no sutures in most cases. Gum grafts require careful tissue harvesting and placement, with fine sutures to hold the graft in place.
A post-operative care pack is provided before you leave the clinic. Mild soreness and swelling are managed with prescribed medication. For laser contouring, most patients feel comfortable within 3–5 days. For grafts, initial healing takes approximately 2 weeks with full integration over 8–12 weeks.
A healing review is performed before you return home. For patients proceeding to veneers or crowns as part of a smile makeover, the cosmetic restorations are planned for 6–8 weeks after the gum procedure to allow the tissue to fully stabilise before impressions are taken.
Gum reconstruction is appropriate in a wider range of situations than many patients realise — both for cosmetic improvement and for clinical health reasons.
When more than 2–3 mm of gum is visible above the teeth when smiling, the smile appears gum-heavy and the teeth look short. Crown lengthening removes the excess tissue and reveals the full natural crown of each tooth, creating a more proportionate and confident smile.
Gum recession exposes the dentine of the tooth root, causing sensitivity to cold, hot and sweet stimuli. Left untreated, recession can lead to root decay and eventual tooth loss. Soft tissue grafts cover the exposed root, eliminate sensitivity and halt further recession.
An asymmetric gum line — where the gum sits at different heights on adjacent teeth — creates a jagged or unbalanced smile even when the teeth themselves are in good condition. Laser gum contouring precisely remodels the gum line to create a smooth, symmetrical frame for the smile.
Before placing crowns, veneers or bridges, gum reconstruction may be required to ensure adequate tooth structure is exposed for the restoration, or to establish a healthy gum level around the future margin. This is an important preparatory step in many full smile makeover cases.
At Pro Estetik, Dr. Bilgin uses a diode dental laser for the majority of gum contouring procedures. Laser treatment offers several advantages over traditional scalpel surgery:
Surgical (scalpel-based) gum contouring or osseous recontouring remains the preferred approach in specific cases — particularly where the underlying bone also needs to be recontoured, or where larger volumes of tissue need to be removed. Dr. Bilgin will determine the optimal technique during your consultation.
Many of our most dramatic smile transformations begin with gum reconstruction. The sequence for a full smile makeover involving gum contouring and veneers or crowns is:
This sequence ensures that the cosmetic restorations are permanently in harmony with the gum line — a critically important detail that separates a natural-looking result from one that looks artificial.
See Hollywood SmileSend us photos of your smile — Dr. Bilgin will assess your gum line and send a detailed treatment plan and cost breakdown within 24 hours. Digital smile design is available on request.
Request Free QuoteWhatsApp (instant):
+90 532 773 10 35
Email:
[email protected]
Izmir is 3.5 hrs direct from London, Manchester & Birmingham. VIP airport transfer available on request.
Full smile makeover combining gum contouring, veneers and crowns. From £1,499.
Ultra-thin E-max veneers for cosmetic correction of healthy teeth. From £350 per tooth.
Premium full-coverage crowns for damaged or cosmetically compromised teeth. From £120.
All treatments with detailed UK price comparisons and savings breakdown.
Copyright © 2026 Pro Estetik Dental Clinic — All Rights Reserved | selimbilgin.com
