Every smile has its own unique look, though when the gum line sits too low or is uneven, teeth can look shorter than they really are, which may make you feel self-conscious about it. That imbalance is often the difference between a smile that feels finished and one that makes you tight-lip a smile in every photo.
At All Smiles Dentistry, we help Lake Stevens patients correct a gummy smile through laser gum recontouring, a precise soft tissue procedure that reshapes the gum line without the extended healing time of traditional gum surgery. Led by Dr. Steinhubel, our practice provides great service through the latest dental technology and a team that truly cares about giving you a healthy and beautiful smile.
A gummy smile happens when the gum tissue extends further down the tooth than it should, covering more of the enamel than is ideal for the smile’s proportions. This can stem from genetics, certain medications, or how the teeth erupted during development, and it often makes teeth look small even when they are a normal, healthy size.
Laser gum recontouring uses a focused beam of light to remove or reshape excess gum tissue with a level of control that isn’t fully possible with a scalpel. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, so bleeding stays minimal, and most patients experience far less swelling than they would with a traditional gingivectomy. A 2025 study on laser-assisted esthetic crown lengthening found that patients undergoing either an open-flap or flapless laser technique reported their perceptions through follow-up surveys measuring anxiety, pain, swelling, and bleeding, reinforcing why this approach has become a preferred option for patients seeking a comfortable path to a balanced smile.
Laser gum recontouring at our office is provided by Dr. Izoh Ashour, our visiting periodontist and implantologist. Dr. Ashour trained across Europe and the United States and brings a detail-oriented approach to every case, using digital treatment planning alongside laser technology to map out the exact amount of tissue that needs to be adjusted before any treatment begins.
This planning matters because gum tissue doesn’t grow back the way it was before treatment if too much is removed. Dr. Ashour’s background in esthetic crown lengthening and minimally invasive periodontal care means the gum line is shaped with the final smile in mind, not just the tissue in front of him. Patients also benefit from the coordination between Dr. Ashour and our general dentistry team, since any restorative work, like a crown or bonding, can be planned around the newly recontoured gum line for a result that looks natural from every angle.
Most laser gum recontouring appointments are completed in a single visit, which is part of why patients appreciate how efficient the process feels compared to what they may expect from gum surgery. Before starting, we numb the treatment area so the procedure stays comfortable throughout. Once the tissue is numbed, the laser is used to sculpt the gum line according to the plan mapped out ahead of time. Since the laser cauterizes tissue as it goes, there is little to no bleeding during the appointment, and most patients do not need stitches afterward.
Recovery is typically brief, though keeping the following in mind can help it be a smooth process:
Swelling is minimal for most patients, and many are comfortable returning to normal activities the same day or the day after treatment.
Finding a periodontist within Lake Stevens itself is not always simple, and many patients in our area have historically traveled to Mill Creek, Everett, or Seattle for the kind of specialized gum care Dr. Ashour provides. Having that expertise available on site means our patients do not have to coordinate between a general dentist and an outside specialist to get a cohesive treatment plan.
We built our practice around technology that supports precise, comfortable care, including laser dentistry options and 3D cone beam imaging for detailed treatment planning. Our team also works to make care accessible, offering financing through Cherry so cosmetic and periodontal treatment can fit within a comfortable monthly budget rather than a single upfront cost.
A gummy smile does not have to be something you simply live with, and correcting it does not require a lengthy or uncomfortable process. With laser gum recontouring, our team can help reshape your gum line with precision and give your smile the balance it has been missing.
Dr. Jason Steinhubel and our team have served Lake Stevens for more than two decades, and we built this practice on the belief that specialized care should be easy to access close to home. If a gummy smile has been on your mind, contact our office to schedule a consultation and find out whether laser gum recontouring is the right fit for you.
Our team always listens to your concerns and gets to know you before customizing your experience to your needs. We want to ensure your comfort while bringing you the best treatments modern family dentistry has to offer.
Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist as our team takes great care of you. If you’re feeling nervous, our nitrous oxide or conscious sedation options can put you at ease. We’re in good hands here. Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist
Each time you visit, expect the same level of high-quality care with modern technology and your own dedicated provider. Discover more effective and gentle dentistry with digital imaging, lasers, same-day crowns, and more.
