Cosmetic Gum Surgery in Bakersfield, CA

What We Treat with Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger perform gum contouring with precision instruments and, where appropriate, laser technology. Here’s what we can address:

• Uneven gumline where some teeth appear shorter than others
• Excessive gum display when smiling
• Asymmetrical gum tissue on one or both sides
• Gum overgrowth following certain medications or orthodontic treatment

The procedure typically takes one or two appointments. Results are immediate; once Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger remove and reshape the tissue, it does not grow back to its original extent.

Surgical Process for Cosmetic Gum Contouring

The procedure begins with a complete analysis of your case. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger conduct an examination of your gum line and the amount of recession, and take digital X-rays and intraoral scans that help them form a 3D image of your tooth structure. It is a step-by-step assessment of your oral health, following which they offer their suggestions for treatment.

They explain their findings clearly. You understand exactly what they see, what they recommend, and what the procedure involves before you agree to anything.

Many cosmetic gum procedures can be completed in one or two appointments, although more complex cases may require additional visits. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger use local anesthesia throughout. It helps ensure the area remains comfortable during treatment. Most patients feel little more than pressure or movement sensations.

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger monitor healing at follow-up visits and make adjustments if needed. Recovery from gum contouring and crown lengthening is typically brief. Many patients return to normal activities within a day or two. Procedures involving bone reshaping, such as osseous crown lengthening, may involve a slightly longer healing period.

Some tenderness and swelling are normal for the first few days. Recovery varies by procedure. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available for questions throughout the healing period.

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Cosmetic gum surgery may suit you if you:

• Feel self-conscious about a gummy smile
• Notice your gumline looks uneven from tooth to tooth
• Experience sensitivity from exposed tooth roots
• Have visible root surfaces that affect your smile’s appearance
• Want to improve your smile’s overall balance before veneers or other cosmetic work

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger do not recommend cosmetic gum surgery until your gum health is stable. Active gum disease requires treatment first. They assess your full periodontal status at your consultation and sequence your care appropriately.

Why Choose Us for Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery in Bakersfield, CA

Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger specialize in periodontics and dental implants to produce results that look natural and hold up long-term. Dr. Saifee earned his Master of Medical Sciences in oral biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He completed advanced specialty training in periodontology at one of the most rigorous programs in the country. That training shapes how he evaluates cases, plans procedures, and executes treatment.

Dr. Sanger began placing implants and treating gum conditions as a general dentist in 1990. She later focused her practice entirely on periodontics. She brings decades of hands-on experience across gum surgery, recession correction, and cosmetic procedures to every patient she treats.

Both are periodontists who specialize in tissue-conserving techniques that minimize recovery time. They use micro-instruments, the PerioView Dental Endoscope, the Chao Pinhole® technique, and laser-assisted procedures where appropriate. Many patients report less discomfort and a smoother recovery than they anticipated.

You do not need a referral from your general dentist to schedule a consultation. Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger welcome direct appointments and coordinate with your general dentist when ongoing care requires it.