What is a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is a simple oral surgery to remove excessive or overgrown gum tissue, or gingiva. Your dentist will use a gingivectomy to treat various stages of periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a popular and common cosmetic dentistry procedure used to fix a gummy smile, which is when excess gum tissue makes your teeth look short or boxy.
Are You a Candidate for a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy procedure might be beneficial for you if you have:
* Gingivitis or Periodontitis.
* A gummy smile that makes your teeth look too short.
* Periodontal pockets, gaps, or areas where your gums have pulled away from your teeth.
* Braces or other orthodontic appliances.
* Tooth malposition, the position of your tooth results in excess gum tissue.
Some medications can also result in excessive gum tissue. Two common examples include amlodipine for high blood pressure or cyclosporine used as an immunosuppressant. If you develop puffy, swollen gums after starting a particular medication, be sure to tell your dentist. They might be able to recommend switching medications or changing your dosage.
The Benefits of a Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy offers an assortment of benefits:
* It removes excess or overgrown gum tissue.
* It will fix a gummy smile.
* Stymies and reduces harmful oral bacteria.
* Decreases periodontal pockets or gaps around your teeth.
* It can make brushing and flossing more effective because it helps you reach problems areas.
* Helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Types of Gingivectomy
There are two primary types of gingivectomy:
* Traditional gingivectomy- A dentist will use a scalpel to remove excess gum tissue. Sometimes they may need to remove a small amount of underlying bone. They might use stitches to close any incisions.
* Laser gingivectomy- A dentist will use a handheld laser to remove excess gum tissue. Since lasers also cauterize, or seal the gum tissue, you will not need stitches.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
Here are the standard steps you can expect during your gingivectomy procedure:
* Anesthesia- Before starting, your dentist will administer a local anesthesia to numb the immediate area of your gums. If discussed, a sedative might be necessary to help you relax.
* Removal of excess gum tissue- Using a scalpel or laser, your dentist will remove the excess or overgrown gum tissue.
* Gum reshaping- Once your dentist removes the excess gum tissue, they will reshape your gums. This will ensure that your gums are proportionate to your teeth.
* Bone reshaping- In some cases, your dentist may need to reshape the underlying bone. To do this, they will need to make a small incision along your gum line.
* Stitches- Your dentist will use stitches to close the incisions and stop any bleeding. If you are having laser gingivectomy, they can forego this step.
* Dressing- Your dentist might place a soft putty over the surgical area to protect it. This dressing usually will fall out on its own. If it does not, your dentist will remove it at your first follow-up appointment.
You can expect to have some discomfort following your gingivectomy. You can usually manage the discomfort and other side effects with over-the-counter pain relievers.