What this treatment is and who it suits
Laser gum contouring reshapes the gum line. It is mainly used for two concerns. The first is a "gummy smile", where the gum covers a large part of each tooth so the teeth look short. The second is an uneven gum line, where the margins sit at different heights from tooth to tooth. The laser removes excess gum tissue and shapes a new margin. It also seals small blood vessels as it works, which typically reduces bleeding and gives the dentist a clearer view.
The cause of a gummy smile matters more than anything else, because the right treatment depends on it:
- Overgrown gum tissue. Contouring can help here.
- Teeth that have not fully emerged from the gum. Contouring may help, depending on how the bone sits around the tooth.
- Excess growth of the upper jaw or a very mobile upper lip. Gum contouring alone does not solve these. They may need a different approach.
This is why the first examination is so important. It is what prevents a disappointing result.
Gum depigmentation is a separate cosmetic treatment for dark or patchy gums, and sometimes for darker areas on the lips. Most gum darkening is natural pigment (melanin), which is harmless and common. Some people simply prefer a more even pink tone. The laser removes the thin pigmented surface layer, and the area then heals over.
Both treatments are generally considered for adults whose gums are healthy and whose inflammation is under control. Only an examination can show whether either one suits you.
Signs that call for an examination — and when it is urgent
Book a dental check if you notice any of the following:
- Your teeth look short, or a lot of gum shows when you smile.
- The gum line looks uneven, or the gums have grown over part of a tooth.
- Your gums bleed when you brush, look swollen, or feel tender.
- You have bad breath that does not go away, or teeth that feel loose.
- A new dark patch appears on the gums or lips, or an existing spot changes in size, colour or texture.
A new or changing spot should always be examined before any cosmetic removal. Smoking, some medicines and some medical conditions can also change gum colour.
Seek urgent care straight away for any of these signs:
- Facial swelling that is spreading
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A high fever with dental pain or swelling
- Bleeding after a procedure that does not stop with firm pressure
In an emergency in Jordan, call 911.
How the steps usually go, from examination to follow-up
The exact plan is set by the dentist after the examination. The usual sequence looks like this:
- Identifying the cause of excess gum display. The dentist examines your gums, teeth and lip movement when you smile. Dental X-rays are often used to see where the bone sits.
- Controlling inflammation first. Cosmetic gum work is carried out only on healthy gums. If there is bleeding or gum disease, cleaning and treatment come first.
- Smile planning and margin marking. The dentist decides how much tissue to remove and marks the new gum line so it looks balanced across your smile.
- Laser contouring. A local anaesthetic is usually used. The session typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are involved. For depigmentation, the laser treats the pigmented surface in the planned area.
- Follow-up until margins settle. The gums heal over the following weeks, and the final shape settles gradually. Review visits check the healing and the result.
This service at Arafat Dental Clinics in Amman
Arafat Dental Clinics opened in 2022 in Tabarbour, Amman. The clinic offers laser gum contouring in Amman as part of a focused group of gum aesthetic services:
- Laser gingivoplasty (reshaping the gum line)
- Laser gingivectomy (removing excess gum tissue)
- Laser lip and gum depigmentation
- Periodontal cosmetic surgery
These sit within a wide range of more than 120 published services. Its main services include dental implants, orthodontic braces, Hollywood smile veneers, teeth whitening and root canal treatment.
This range matters for gum aesthetics. Many patients who want a better smile line also ask about whitening, veneers or braces. Planning the gums together with these treatments helps keep the overall result consistent.
Dr. Mohammad Arafat Hasan, the clinic's founder, has 15 years of experience. His training includes:
- A Bachelor of Oral and Dental Medicine and Surgery from Damascus University
- An Advanced Implantology Course with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) in 2018
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign) Certification from Align Technology Academy in 2020
- Microscope-Assisted Endodontics with the Jordanian Academy of Dentistry in 2022
He provides care for gum diseases and gum bleeding, as well as cosmetic dentistry, dental X-rays, oral diseases and dental emergencies. That combination means inflammation control and cosmetic shaping can happen under the same dentist. He speaks Arabic and English.
Both the clinic and Dr. Arafat Hasan are verified on ClinicsJo. The clinic has 2 approved reviews and Dr. Arafat Hasan has 3, each with an average rating of 5. The first consultation is free. The cost of treatment is set after the examination and explained before treatment starts.
Questions to ask the dentist before starting
- What is causing my gummy smile: the gum tissue, the tooth position, the jaw or the lip?
- Is gum contouring alone enough in my case, or would I need another approach?
- Are my gums healthy enough now, or is treatment needed first?
- How much gum will be removed, and how will the new line be planned?
- Will the procedure affect the bone around the teeth?
- For depigmentation: is my gum colour natural pigment, and does any spot need checking first?
- How many visits will I need, and what will healing look like?
- Should this be combined with whitening, veneers or braces, and in what order?
- What does the cost include, and what follow-up visits are planned?
Aftercare and realistic expectations
Follow the dentist's written instructions, because aftercare differs from person to person. General guidance usually includes:
- Eat soft, lukewarm food for the first few days.
- Avoid very hot, spicy, crunchy or acidic food on the treated area.
- Brush the other teeth normally and brush gently near the treated gums as advised.
- Avoid smoking, which can slow healing.
- Take only pain relief the dentist recommends, at the dose on the label or as advised.
Some tenderness and a lighter or whitish surface on the treated gum are common while it heals. Contact the clinic if pain gets worse instead of better, if swelling increases, or if bleeding continues.
The final gum shape settles over weeks, not days. Results vary between people. After depigmentation, some pigment may return over time in some people, so ask the dentist what to expect in your case.
Booking, getting there and opening hours
Arafat Dental Clinics is at Journalists Roundabout, Al-Tamimi Complex, 1st floor, in Tabarbour, Amman. It sees patients from across Amman.
Opening hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00–22:00
- Friday: closed
The evening hours make it easier to book around work or university. Use the contact button on this page to arrange your free first consultation. Mention whether your main concern is the gum line, dark gums or both, so the visit can be planned around it.