How Painful is a Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a simple surgical procedure to remove excessive gum tissue, or gingiva. A gingivectomy is a procedure also used by your dentist to treat gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure used to correct a gummy smile, where extra gum tissue makes your teeth appear smaller.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
The following are the steps taken during a gingivectomy procedure:
* Anesthesia- Before the dentist begins, they will use a local anesthetic to numb your gums. If you choose, additional sedation can be added to help you relax.
* Removing the excess gum tissue- Your dentist will remove any extra or overgrown gum tissue with a scalpel or laser.
* Reshaping of the gums- Your dentist will restructure your gums after removing the extra gum tissue. This creates the proper proportion between teeth and gums.
* Reshaping of the bones- Your dentist may need to alter the underlying bone in some cases. They might need to create minor incisions along your gum line to accomplish this.
* Stitches- Your dentist will use stitches to close any incisions and control the bleeding. This step can be avoided if you have laser gingivectomy.
Gingivectomy surgery usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour to perform. It could take longer if you require a gingivectomy on numerous teeth.
The Gingivectomy Recovery
Post-operative care is an essential element of your healing process after your gingivectomy. Based on your specific needs and the complexity of your procedure, your dentist will offer precise post-op recommendations. The following general post-operative care guidelines may be applicable:
* Pain control- You might feel some soreness after the procedure. To help to manage discomfort, your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
* It is common for some bleeding or weeping around the surgery site- To help in reducing bleeding, your dentist may give you gauze pads to bite down on. It is essential to change the gauze pads frequently, as directed.
* Oral health- Your oral hygiene is critical for a good recovery. You need to avoid brushing or flossing the surgical area for the first few days. Your dentist will direct you to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
* Diet- For the first few days, avoid hard foods and consume soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup. It is also important to avoid hot, spicy, or acidic meals since they will irritate the surgical site.
* Vigorous Activity- You should avoid vigorous activities or exercise for the first 48 hours following your surgery. For a few days, your dentist may advise you to avoid activities that require bending over or carrying heavy objects.
* Appointments for follow-up- Keep any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and resolve any issues. Following the post-operative care recommendations to aid in normal healing and reduce any chance of problems.
Your gingivectomy recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery and your general health. It is critical to carefully follow the post-operative care instructions, which will include pain management measures, oral hygiene advice, and food restrictions. You will assist in achieving a smooth gingivectomy recovery by taking diligent care of your dental health and following their instructions.