What this treatment is and who it suits
Laser gum contouring (gingivoplasty) reshapes the gum line. It is often used for a "gummy smile", where the gum covers a large part of each tooth so the teeth look short, or where the gum margins are uneven from one tooth to the next. A closely related procedure, laser gingivectomy, removes excess gum tissue. The laser trims and shapes the tissue while sealing small blood vessels as it works. This usually means less bleeding and a clearer view for the dentist.
The cause of a gummy smile matters more than its look. Common causes include:
- Overgrown gum tissue, which contouring can address
- Teeth that have not fully emerged from the gum, sometimes called altered passive eruption
- Excess growth of the upper jaw or a very mobile upper lip, which gum contouring alone does not solve and which may need a different approach
Dark or patchy gums are a separate concern. In many people the dark colour comes from natural melanin pigment and is harmless. Laser depigmentation removes the thin pigmented surface layer of the gum, or of the lip where relevant, so that lighter tissue can heal in its place. It is a cosmetic choice, not a medical necessity. Pigment can return over time, and how much varies from person to person.
These treatments are generally considered for adults with healthy, inflammation-free gums who have realistic expectations. Only an examination can show whether they suit you.
Signs that call for an examination — and when it is urgent
Book a dental check if you notice:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, or look red and swollen
- Gums that seem to be growing over the teeth
- Uneven gum margins or teeth that look unusually short
- A new dark patch on the gums, lips or inside the mouth, especially one that changes in size, colour or shape. This needs checking before anything cosmetic is planned, because not all pigmentation is natural.
- Persistent bad breath, loose teeth or gums pulling away from the teeth
Seek urgent care straight away, or call 911 in Jordan, if you have facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever with a dental or gum problem, or bleeding from the mouth that will not stop with firm pressure.
How the steps usually go, from examination to follow-up
- Identifying the cause of excess gum display. The dentist examines your gums, teeth and smile at rest and when smiling. X-rays may be taken to see where the bone and tooth roots sit. This step decides whether contouring is the right tool at all.
- Controlling inflammation first. No cosmetic gum work should be done on inflamed gums. If there is bleeding or gum disease, cleaning and treatment come first, and the gums are given time to settle.
- Smile planning and margin marking. The new gum line is planned around your lip line and tooth proportions, and the intended margins are marked so you can discuss them before any tissue is removed.
- Laser contouring or depigmentation. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, then the laser reshapes the gum or removes the pigmented layer. Depending on the number of teeth, a contouring session typically takes about 30–60 minutes.
- Follow-up until the margins settle. The gums heal over the following days, but the final shape settles over weeks. Review visits let the dentist check healing and the result.
This service at Arafat Dental Clinics in Tabarbour
Arafat Dental Clinics was founded in 2022 by Dr. Mohammad Arafat Hasan, who has 15 years of experience in dentistry across Jordan and Saudi Arabia. For laser gum contouring in Tabarbour, the clinic offers:
- Laser gingivoplasty
- Laser gingivectomy
- Laser lip and gum depigmentation
- Periodontal cosmetic surgery
Dr. Arafat Hasan earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Damascus. He has completed an Advanced Implantology Course with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (2018), Clear Aligners (Invisalign) Certification from Align Technology Academy (2020) and Microscope-Assisted Endodontics at the Jordanian Academy of Dentistry (2022). He provides gum disease treatment, cosmetic dentistry, dental X-rays and oral medicine, along with a broad range of general and restorative care. He speaks Arabic and English.
This breadth helps with gum aesthetics. If the examination shows that a gummy smile is better served by orthodontic movement, or that the teeth themselves need cosmetic work, the same clinic provides orthodontic braces, veneers (Hollywood smile) and teeth whitening among its 120 published services.
Both the clinic and the dentist are verified on ClinicsJo. The clinic has 2 approved reviews and the dentist has 3, each with an average rating of 5. The first consultation is free.
Questions to ask the dentist before starting
- What is causing my gummy smile or dark gums, and is contouring or depigmentation the right approach for that cause?
- Are my gums healthy enough now, or do I need gum treatment first?
- Can you show me where the new gum line will be before you begin?
- Will bone need reshaping, or only gum tissue?
- How many teeth will be treated, and in how many sessions?
- How long should healing take in my case, and when will I see the settled result?
- How likely is pigmentation to return for me, and can it be retreated?
- What will the total cost be? (Cost is set after the examination and explained before treatment starts.)
- Are there medicines, health conditions or habits such as smoking that I should tell you about?
Aftercare and realistic expectations
Your dentist will give you specific instructions. Typical general advice after laser gum procedures includes:
- Eating soft, lukewarm food for the first few days and avoiding very hot, spicy, acidic or crunchy food
- Brushing gently around the treated area exactly as advised, and keeping the rest of the mouth clean
- Avoiding smoking, which can slow healing and is linked to gum darkening
- Taking only the pain relief your dentist recommends, at the dose on the label or as instructed
- Attending every follow-up appointment
Tenderness and some sensitivity in the first days are common. Call the clinic if pain increases rather than eases, if bleeding persists or if swelling develops. Use the urgent signs listed above as your guide for emergency care.
Be realistic about results. Gum contouring changes the gum line but not the lip or jaw, so it may not fully correct a gummy smile caused by those. The final gum shape settles over weeks. After depigmentation, colour can gradually return, and the timing differs between people. Good daily brushing, flossing and regular check-ups help keep the gums healthy afterwards.
Booking, getting there and opening hours
Arafat Dental Clinics is at Journalists Roundabout (دوار الصحفيين), Al-Tamimi Complex, 1st Floor, Tabarbour, Amman.
Opening hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00–22:00
- Friday: closed
The evening hours make it easier to fit a consultation in after work or university. The first consultation is free, and it is the right moment to find out what is behind your gummy smile or gum colour before deciding on treatment. Use the booking button on this page to arrange your visit.