Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
If you think your gums and your teeth are out of balance when you smile, seeing more gums than teeth when you look at yourself in the mirror, then cosmetic dentistry may be a solution for you.
A gummy smile is not a health or hygiene risk, but it can be an issue if you are uncomfortable with your gum-to-teeth ratio. Your dentist can discuss several cosmetic dentistry options that can help if you want to change the look of your gummy smile.
The first step is for your dentist to diagnose exactly why your gums are showing more than your teeth. Several factors can contribute to this issue, with the most common involving tooth size, upper lip size and movement, overbites, and the overgrowth of your gums.
Your dentist will take X-rays, determine your specific gum-to-tooth and jaw line ratios, and check your lip movement. These tests will help them determine the best option for you.
A gingivectomy, also known as crown lengthening, is a form of simple oral surgery that involves removing excessive gums in a minimally invasive manner. This procedure controls tissue overgrowth and will improve the appearance of your teeth by removing the gingiva.
Most people wait until they are adults before getting a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is the best treatment choice to make your smile look as it should.
This is true if you have taken medication, such as blood pressure pills, or undergone hormonal changes, such as pregnancy gingivitis, which can cause your gums to become bigger and look unnatural. You may just be concerned because your teeth appear short.
Choosing a gingivectomy instead of a more expensive aesthetic procedure is a less intrusive and more cost-effective solution. If the procedure is done with a laser, you can notice spectacular results in the same day.
A gum lift, or gingivectomy, simply removes excess gum tissue around your teeth, making them appear longer. You do not even have to worry about a scalpel if your dentist uses a laser to gently remove the tissue and shape it, so your smile has a better tooth-to-gum ratio.
What are the Benefits of a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy offers a variety of benefits. The procedure:
* Removes excess or overgrown gum tissue.
* Corrects your “gummy smile.”
* Reduces unwanted, harmful oral bacteria.
* Eliminates periodontal pockets around your teeth.
* Makes brushing and flossing more effective because you can now reach problem areas easier.
* Helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
A gingivectomy can take between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the amount of gum tissue being removed by your dentist.
Minor procedures involving one tooth or just a few teeth can be completed in one appointment. More extensive gum contouring or removal might need several visits, especially if your dentist intends to let one area heal before moving on to the next.
Here is how the procedure works:
* First, to numb the area, your dentist administers a local anesthetic into the immediate area.
* The dentist performs a soft tissue incision with a laser tool or a scalpel to remove specific sections of your gum tissue.
* During this process, your dentist will also use a suction tool to remove the extra saliva in your mouth.
* The dentist might finish with a laser tool to vaporize excess tissue and to sculpt the gumline after the tissue has been removed.
* Upon completion, to help the healing process, your dentist will apply a soft dough-like substance and bandages to the area for protection.