What is a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is an easy and straightforward oral surgery to remove any excessive or overgrown gum tissue, or gingiva. Your dentist can use gingivectomy to treat various stages of periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a common and popular cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve a gummy smile, which is when an excess of gum tissue makes your teeth look shorter or boxy.
Are You a Candidate for a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy procedure may be beneficial for you if you have:
- Gingivitis or periodontitis.
- A gummy smile that makes your teeth appear shorter.
- Periodontal pockets or gaps where your gums have pulled away from your teeth.
- Orthodontic appliances like braces.
- Tooth malposition when the position of your tooth results in excess gum tissue.
Some medications will also cause excessive gum tissue. Two common and frequent examples include amlodipine for high blood pressure control or cyclosporine used as an immunosuppressant. If you develop puffy, swollen gums after you have started a particular medication, tell your dentist. They may be able to recommend switching the medication or changing your dosage.
The Benefits of a Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy offers a variety of benefits:
- It removes excessive, overgrown gum tissue.
- It will correct a gummy smile.
- Stymies and reduces unwanted, harmful oral bacteria.
- Decreases the gaps or periodontal pockets around your teeth.
- It might make brushing and flossing more effective because you can now reach problems areas.
- Helps you preserve healthy teeth and gums.
Types of Gingivectomy
There are two primary types of gingivectomy:
- Traditional gingivectomy- Your dentist will use a scalpel to remove the excess gum tissue. Sometimes they might need to remove a small amount of underlying bone. They will use sutures to close any incisions.
- Laser gingivectomy- Your dentist will use a dental laser to remove excess gum tissue. Lasers also cauterize, or seal the gum tissue, so you will not need sutures.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
Here are the common steps you can expect during your gingivectomy procedure:
- Anesthesia- Before beginning, your dentist will administer an anesthesia to numb the immediate area of your gums. If deemed beneficial, a sedative could be necessary to help you relax.
- Removal of excess gum tissue- Using either a scalpel or laser, your dentist will remove the excess or overgrown gum tissue.
- Gum reshaping- Once the excess gum tissue is removed, your dentist will reshape your gums. This ensures that your gums are proportionally in balance with your teeth.
- Bone reshaping- In some situations, your dentist might need to reshape the underlying bone. To accomplish this, they will need to create a small incision along your gum line.
- Sutures- Your dentist will use stitches to close any incisions and stop any bleeding. If you have laser gingivectomy, they will forego this step.
- Dressing or bandages- Your dentist may place a soft putty over the surgical area to protect it. This dressing will fall out on its own. If it does not fall out, your dentist will simply remove it at your first follow-up appointment.
You can expect some minor discomfort following your gingivectomy. You can manage the discomfort and any other side effects with over-the-counter pain relievers.