My gums growing over my porcelain veneers? How can I reverse this? (photos)

Question

I had porcelain veneers done in 2007-2008. My gums were rather large, so I received gum surgery to reduce them, then after the procedure was done, received my veneers. Now, years later, the veneers have gotten as small as my original teeth before the gum procedure! I am clueless! I have no dental insurance so getting this examined is easier said than done right now! What is happening? How can I reverse this? Any help or advice is appreciated. I've included a photo for review. Thank you for reading!

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there, Gum overgrowth is most commonly due to medications like phenytoin (an antiseizure drug), immuno-suppressants, or calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem and amlodipine.  I suspect that you may possibly be on one of these medications.  If so, it is best to consult your physician about possibly changing your medication to one that does not include gum overgrowth as a side-effect.     Regardless of how you developed this condition, I suggest that you go to a cosmetic dentist to have a gum lift.  This surgery can usually be done with the use of lasers and requires only one appointment.  Insurance would not typically pay for a cosmetic feature of this nature anyway, so you may be better off financing your gum surgery or getting on a payment plan to pay gradually, over time.  Veneers are what I do, so "Follow" me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Michael Tam, BDS · Answer

Conditions like this
are typically caused from one of 2 factors: prescription medications, or gum
disease. Some medications do cause gum growth, which must be removed
surgically. How long has it been since you’ve had your teeth cleaned? If
subgingival tartar is present, it is causing chronic infection (inflammation)
to occur, and will also cause bone loss, so it will need to be cleaned as soon
as possible. Thankfully, cleanings are very affordable. There are also new
advancements in laser tissue recontouring that allow tissue to be reshaped in
just a few minutes, with little or no discomfort.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

My "guess" is that you are one some kind of medication that is causing the gums to overgrow your teeth.However, removing the excess gums with the dental gum laser is easily accomplished.  Dental insurance rarely pays for "cosmetic" procedures like overgrown gums or porcelain veneers.  For examples of laser gum reshaping I direct you to the web link below.

Victor Sanz, DDS · Answer

Gums position themselves 1-3mm from the bone. You may need some bone recontouring to avoid regrowth downwards.  Once this is done you won't have any relapses.

Lilya Horowitz, DDS · Answer

Although it is hard to tell for sure without examining your gums, I think you will need to see a periodontist in order to have gum and bone surgery in order to establish the correct biologic width. If you just had the gums removed again, they will likey grow back if the bone underneath is not properly contoured to the right specifications, since your body will naturally produce a certain amount of gum tissue above the bone levels to protect it.

My gums growing over my porcelain veneers? How can I reverse this? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Veneers and gums

Answer: Veneers and gums

Answer: Gums growing

Answer: Gums growing

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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My gums growing over my porcelain veneers? How can I reverse this? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Veneers and gums

Answer: Veneers and gums

Answer: Gums growing

Answer: Gums growing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.