Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is used to remove overgrown or excessive gum tissue to treat periodontal disease or to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. It is also used to prepare teeth for dental restorations like crowns and veneers.
Why do I need a gingivectomy?
A smile lift is a great option for treating a gummy smile in those that have a poor gum-to-tooth ratio, removing tissue to reveal more tooth surface. Too much gum tissue can give the teeth the appearance of being short and boxy instead of rounded at the gum line. Patients that take certain medications or have experienced hormonal changes that have caused their gum tissue to grow beyond what is normal for them also benefit from a gingivectomy.
A gingivectomy can also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as the placement of a crown or veneers. When there is not enough tooth surface for the dental restoration to stick to, removing a bit of gum tissue can provide sufficient surface for your dentist to properly place your crown or veneer.
Additionally, patients who have periodontal disease may be treated with a gingivectomy to prevent further damage and make it easier to clean your teeth. There is a pocket between each tooth and the gum tissue where plaque and bacteria can hide, causing periodontal disease. When accumulation of buildup causes the pockets to expand, contouring the tissue can help clear out infection and bacteria by reducing the pockets.
What is the procedure for a gingivectomy?
The doctor will inject a local anesthetic into the gum tissue being treated then, using either a scalpel or a soft tissue laser, will trim off sections of the excessive gum tissue. If a scalpel is used, the doctor may use sutures to close the site. A laser cauterizes as it cuts so stitches are not necessary.
They will then apply a soft putty and bandages over the treated area to protect it as you begin to heal. The wound dressing will come off by itself after a couple of days but if it does not, your doctor will remove it at your follow up visit a week later.
A gingivectomy takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of gum tissue to be removed. Patients that need major gum contouring may need multiple visits, which allows previously treated areas time to heal between surgeries. After your procedure, stick to a soft food diet for a few days.
After about a week, you can expect to be fully healed. Some bleeding and swelling is normal during the first day or two but a cold compress and a saltwater rinse can help minimize discomfort. Most pain from a gingivectomy can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
If you are interested in a gingivectomy, speak with your dentist to see if it is an appropriate treatment for you. If they believe you are a candidate, they will refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.