My dentist wants me to get a "gum trim" before new veneers, would this compromise the roots that I have left on my front teeth?

It sounds as though your cosmetic dentist is thinking out your case very well when considering gum recontouring.  Most people have some kind of asymmetry associated with their smile line.  It is rare when doing a cosmetic case that I do not pick up a laser to correct gingival tissues that are not perfect. This touch will take your case from good to great!  Good luck.   

I would love to see some photos to literally give me a better picture of your specific case, but I can tell you that a gum trim prior to veneer placement is generally a great idea.  Your roots are generally not compromised from a gum trim and this could even increase the strength and health of your gums. Veneers are what I do, so "Follow" me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

it wouldn't unless you have very short roots or mobility. It also depends if the dentist wants to do a gingivectomy( just trimming gum) or crown lenghtening which is more invasive and requires some bone trimmimg.

Congratulations, you probably have a very good cosmetic dentist.  Honestly, not evaluating the gum height and treating it is one of the most common cosmetic mistakes I see for patients getting veneers or cosmetic crowns.If it is just a gum lift, without removing any bone, then it will probably make your gums healthier and also should NOT compromise your roots.However, if it is a crown lengthening procedure, where the excess gums are leveled to make them even and to do this requires some bone removal, this is a different procedure and may compromise some of your root support.  Speak with your dentist so that he can clarify which type of gum recontouring procedure he is going to do for you.Please visit the web link below that explains how laser gum recontouring is done and shows you a number of before and after examples.

The procedure you are asking about is called, Crown Lengthening.  There are two types: Esthetic CL is where the dentist removes only a small amount of tissue so the gum heights around each veneer will look even and pleasing.  The second type is Functional CL.  This is where in order to have the gum line at a level that is even and pleasing, bone must be removed under the gum.  The reason is that the bone level under the gum has to be about 2 millimeters higher than the gum line.  If not, then the gums if trimmed higher, will stay red and inflamed all the time afterwards and will not heal.  This is called, violation of biological width.  So, your dentist needs to understand the rules of biologic width before proceeding with trimming your tissue.  If he does not, then I would advise seeing a periodontist (gum specialist) to evaluate your problem.

Hello,Without photos it is very difficult to tell if that is something you "need" or if is simply something to have the veneers look better. If you have excess tissue over your current veneers or the tissue is inflamed from the decay and veneers then it might be a good idea.To just be able to "trim the gums" usually using a laser which works beautifully you would need to have more than 4mm of gum above where the bone is on your teeth. They can measure this with a special ruler.If you could send photos that would be great and I could give you a more definitive opinionSincerely,Jeff Gray DDS La Mesa CA

It is very common to do some modification of the gums when one has esthetic work done.  If this is performed correctly it should not compromise you roots at all.  You will likely have a much better esthetic result with this procedure.  Good luck