Gum Lift Treatments in Murrieta
Despite being considered not ideal to many people, having a gummy smile is often the natural result of genetics. In some patients, their gums simply didn’t recede properly when their adult teeth came in.
Some medical conditions or medications can also cause overgrowth of gum tissue, but this is less common. A low gum line is not considered a deformity & does not have a known negative affect on oral health. That is why a gum lift is categorized as an elective, cosmetic procedure & is not often covered by dental insurance plans. However, a gum lift is usually not very costly compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments that have similar effects on the appearance of your smile, such as veneers.
A gum lift is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes or reshapes gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth, making teeth appear longer. Some people are born with excess gum tissue that makes teeth appear unusually short or small. For patients with gummy smiles who are bothered by the excess tissue around their teeth, a gum lift provides an aesthetic correction.

What Is A Gum Lift?
A gum lift is also called a gingival lift, or a gingivectomy, “gingiva” being the medical term for gum tissue & “-ectomy” meaning surgical removal. The gum lift procedure involves removing a small amount of gum tissue where your gums meet your teeth. This is usually only done on your top front teeth because they are visible when you smile & speak.
Gum lifts are also called gum contouring. When the procedure is referred to this way, it may be less about corrected a gummy smile than evening out the gum line. Some patients have more gum tissue covering the tops of some teeth than others, leading to a smile that appears asymmetrical. Gum contouring can fix this illusion & create a more even-looking smile, no braces required.
Procedure Overview
A gum lift is sometimes confused with a crown lengthening, which is a different procedure that involves removing both bone & gum tissue. Gum lifts only remove gum tissue. Gum lifts do not to treat a disease. There are several other types of gum surgery associated with periodontitis (advanced gum disease) that may end up having a cosmetic result but are completed for health reasons.
Gum lifts have become more attractive to patients thanks to the latest advances. Modern laser technology has made it so gum lifts are faster, nearly painless & require much less recovery time. In the past, gum lifts were done by making incisions & sometimes using sutures. Today, most dentists use a dental technology called a soft tissue laser to gently remove gum tissue. The laser cauterizes blood vessels (burns them closed) as it removes tissue, leading to less bleeding, less swelling & faster healing times.
The gum lift is sometimes done in combination with other cosmetic procedures as part of a smile makeover, for example, following orthodontic treatment (braces). Other ways of lengthening teeth include veneers or bonding, both of which might be considered instead of or in combination with a gum lift. If you’ve been told you have a gummy smile or small teeth, a gum lift may be an option to improve the appearance of your smile.
Meet Your Murrieta Dentist
Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS – Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is a graduate of the University of Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He has also received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, rotary endodontics and removable prosthodontics (dentures). Dr. Pulsipher is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics & the Tri-County Dental Society.






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Reshape your gum line with gum contouring to fix gummy smiles and small teeth.
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Diagnotics and solutions for tooth and gum infections including root canals and gum disease treatment.
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We are located in the Murrieta Springs Professional Park off Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Springs Dental and Dr. Pulsipher! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a team that truly cares. Dr. Pulsipher is not only incredibly skilled, but he also takes the time to explain everything and make you feel completely at ease. The entire team is professional, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and positive as possible. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a dentist to visit Springs Dental – you won’t be disappointed! Angela Young2025-04-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been a patient at Springs Dental for over 20 years. I’ve tried two other dental offices due to insurance issues, but I always come back, even when I have to pay out of pocket. Springs Dental operates with integrity, which is uncommon these days. They genuinely care about their patients rather than simply focusing on making money. Renee Fonseca2025-04-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service as usual. Great staff and Dr Dan is the best! Bill Cherry2025-04-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly staff & always with smiles to welcome their patient’s. Coy Capacia2025-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff. Very thorough in all explanations of cost and procedures. Betty Dalton2025-02-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff!!!! Rosi Sanchez2025-02-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dental care. Friendly and very competent. Louis Fetherolf2025-02-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this dental facility treated me with so much care. I have had bad dental experiences in the past that left me terrified. I felt safe, comfortable and in capable, professional hands. This was the best dental experience I have ever had in 40 yrs! The technology in this office is like no other. They gave me a crown in a few hrs. Simply amazing! God bless Springs Dental! Persephonie Saucier2025-02-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience!!!! Cecilia Hernandez2025-01-23
Insurance & Financing

We love your insurance and respect your budget and busy schedule. There are little to no out-of-pocket costs for most insured patients on cleanings, exams and x-rays.
0% financing is available on approved credit. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options, including CareCredit, so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need in a manner that fits their budget.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a gum lift and why would I need one?
A gum lift reshapes the gumline by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. It’s often done to correct a “gummy smile” or create a more symmetrical appearance for cosmetic reasons—but it can also be done to support dental restorations.
Is a gum lift painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is normal and can be managed with medication and proper oral care.
How long does it take to heal after a gum lift?
Initial healing takes a few days to a week, though complete healing of the gums may take a few weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether a laser or scalpel technique is used.
Are the results of a gum lift permanent?
Yes, the results are generally permanent. Once excess gum tissue is removed and reshaped, it does not grow back—though proper oral hygiene is important to maintain the health and appearance of your gums.
Is a gum lift considered a cosmetic procedure?
In most cases, yes. Gum lifts are typically done for aesthetic reasons and may not be covered by insurance. However, if it’s part of a medically necessary treatment plan (like crown lengthening for a dental restoration), insurance might cover part of it.