Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
A gummy smile is a condition in which excessive gum tissue covers too much tooth surface, giving teeth a short, boxy appearance. While this is not necessarily detrimental to oral health, a gummy smile can affect one's confidence and self-esteem. A gingivectomy is a great option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
Gum tissue can be overgrown due to periodontal disease, certain prescription medications, or more commonly, genetics. Your dentist will determine the cause of tissue overgrowth before recommending treatment. If you have periodontal disease, it needs to be addressed first since periodontal treatment may rectify a gummy smile.
A periodontist is the doctor that will perform a gingivectomy but first, they will evaluate your gum tissue, study your dental x-rays, and evaluate lip movement. This will allow them to determine proper tooth to gum ratio so that they can provide the best treatment. If it is determined that a gingivectomy is the way to go, they will use either a scalpel or a soft tissue laser.
Gingivectomy Procedure
Depending on the number of teeth being addressed, a gingivectomy can take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. For more severe cases, multiple appointments may be necessary so that you have some healing time between treatments. Most providers prefer to use a soft tissue laser because it is easier to use, has better results, and is more cost-effective.
The laser is able to cauterize the tissue as it is trimmed and shaped which allows for a much faster healing time and does not require sutures. If a scalpel is used, you may need to have sutures placed. Regardless of the method, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and keep you comfortable during treatment.
After the procedure, your doctor will apply a putty material and gauze over the treated area to protect it for the first couple of days as you begin to heal. The wound dressing will usually come off on its own but if it does not, your doctor will remove it at your follow up visit.
If you do not like the overall appearance of your smile, you might consider dental veneers in addition to a gingivectomy. If you have a gummy smile and also do not like the shape of your teeth, the two can be used in conjunction with one another to give you optimal results.
A gingivectomy is a great procedure for patients with a gummy smile or uneven gum line. Speak with your dentist if you are uncomfortable with your smile to see if a gingivectomy is a good treatment option for you.