How Painful is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is an easy surgical procedure to remove excessive gum tissue, or gingiva. A gingivectomy can also be used by your dentist to treat gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a common and popular cosmetic dental procedure used to improve a gummy smile, when extra gum tissue makes your teeth look smaller.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
Here are the usual steps taken during a gingivectomy procedure:
- Anesthesia- Before your dentist begins, they will numb your gums with a local anesthetic. If you find it helpful, an additional sedation can be used to help you relax.
- Removing the excess gum tissue- Your dentist removes any extra or overgrown gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser.
- Reshaping of the gums- Your dentist will then restructure your gums after removing the excess gum tissue. This now creates the appropriate proportion between your teeth and gums.
- Reshaping of the bones- Your dentist may need to slightly alter the underlying bone in some situations. They might need to make minor incisions along your gum line to achieve this.
- Sutures- Your dentist will close any incisions with stitches to control the bleeding. This step is not necessary if you have laser gingivectomy.
Gingivectomy surgery most often takes between 30 minutes to an hour to perform. It will take longer if you need a gingivectomy on numerous teeth.
The Gingivectomy Recovery
Your post-operative care is a vital element of your healing process following your gingivectomy. Based on your personal needs and the complexity of your treatment, your dentist will offer precise recommendations. The following common post-operative care guidelines may be applicable:
- Pain control- You could feel some soreness after your procedure. To help to manage any discomfort, your dentist can prescribe pain relievers or suggest over-the-counter pain relievers.
It is common for some slight bleeding or weeping around the surgery site. To reduce the bleeding, your dentist might give you gauze pads. It is important to change the gauze pads frequently, as directed.
- Oral health- Your oral hygiene is essential for pain-free recovery. You must avoid brushing or flossing the surgical area for a few days. Your dentist will recommend you gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Diet- For a few days, avoid hard foods and eat just soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. It is also crucial to avoid hot, spicy, or acidic food since they will irritate the surgical site.
- Vigorous activity- You need to avoid vigorous activities or exercise for the first 48 hours after your gingivectomy. Your dentist might also advise you to avoid activities that require bending over or carrying any heavy objects for a few days.
- Follow up appointments- Keep scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to track the healing process and address any issues. Follow the post-operative care instructions to aid in your normal healing and minimize any chance of problems.
Your gingivectomy recovery time is contingent on the extent of your surgery and your overall health. It is essential to carefully adhere to the post-operative care instructions, which include pain management measures, food restrictions, and oral hygiene advice. You will achieve a smooth gingivectomy recovery by taking thorough care of your dental health and following instructions.