Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy, also known as crown lengthening, is a form of minor oral surgery that involves removing gums in a minimally invasive manner. The procedure controls tissue overgrowth and improves the appearance of teeth by removing excessive gum tissue, or gingiva.
Most gingivectomies are performed on adults. A gingivectomy is the best treatment option to make your smile look the best it can be.
If you have taken medication such as some form of blood pressure pills or undergone hormonal changes, such as pregnancy gingivitis, your gums will become bigger and look unnatural.
You can also have a gingivectomy if you have what is called a gummy smile, in which your teeth appear to be shorter because of the excessive gum tissue.
Choosing a gingivectomy instead of a more expensive aesthetic procedure is far less intrusive and a more cost-effective solution. If your procedure is done with a laser, you will notice spectacular results in the same day.
Are You a Candidate for Gingivectomy
Your dentist might recommend a gingivectomy if you are experiencing a gum recession because of:
* A gum injury.
* Gum injury infections caused by bacteria.
* Gingivitis.
* Natural aging.
Your dentist may suggest a gingivectomy for you if you have gum disease to prevent further damage. It also makes it easier for both you and your dentist to clean your teeth.
Gum disease frequently results in sagging pockets at the base of the teeth. These gaps will lead to the accumulation of:
* Calculus.
* Tartar.
* Bacteria.
* Plaque.
Further damage will result from these buildups.
If your dentist discovers an infection or gum disease during a dental care check-up or teeth cleaning and wants to stop the progression, they may propose this procedure.
A gingivectomy will take between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the amount of gum tissue removed.
Why Would You Need a Gingivectomy?
There are several reasons you might consider a gingivectomy. This procedure involves reshaping inflamed or excessive gums and can be used to cure a variety of issues ranging from gum disease to simple cosmetic improvements.
Gum disease will often necessitate a gingivectomy. Gingivitis can result in pockets between the gums and the teeth. Bacteria will thrive in these pockets, accelerating the irritation of your gums.
Gum reshaping is sometimes necessary as part of a restoration process. When the gums obstruct access to the teeth that require restoration, your dentist will remove some of the gums to provide access to the teeth in concern.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
Minor procedures involving one tooth or just a few teeth will usually require just one appointment. More serious gum contouring or removal might need several visits, especially if your dentist wishes to let one area heal before proceeding to the next.
The following is usually how the procedure progresses:
* To numb the area, the dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to the immediate area.
* Your dentist will perform a soft tissue incision using a laser tool or a scalpel to remove sections of excessive gum tissue.
* During this process, your dentist will use a suction tool to remove any extra saliva in your mouth.
* Your dentist might use a laser tool to vaporize the excess tissue and sculpt the gumline once the tissue has been removed.
* To help you heal, your dentist will apply a soft dough-like substance and bandages to the area to protect the gums.