What is Gingivectomy?

This is the removal of the gingiva or gum tissue. The process can be used to treat conditions like gingivitis or periodontal disease.  It can also be used to remove excess gum tissue for cosmetic purposes.

Gingivectomy surgery can be done if you have gum recession due to aging, bacterial infections, gum injury, or gum diseases. The dentist may recommend this procedure to prevent further gum damage and for easier cleaning.

Gum disease can create openings at the bottom of the teeth, which can lead to build-ups of bacteria, plaque, or tartar. Buildups can cause serious damage. The procedure can also be recommended if there is an infection.

You may experience sensitivity, pain, swelling, or any other discomfort when you have gum problems. The dentist can recommend different processes to offer relief. Gingivectomy surgery is one of the procedures. The dentist can use a hard tissue laser or the old gold standard method with a scalpel to perform the surgery.

The procedure can be performed when a patient has loosened gums that have moved from away from the teeth. The removal of buildup may be complicated because of the deep openings. The gingivectomy will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the jaws.

After removing the loose parts, it is easier to detect any buildup which may need a thorough scaling. After the surgery, the gums are left to heal.

The process was originally designed to ensure that the curative measure for the periodontal disease. Nowadays, it is used for cosmetic purposes and removal of the excess gum tissue.

The procedure is different from the gingivoplasty procedure, which is done to reshape the gums and give them a natural look. Gingivoplasty can be performed during or after gingivectomy surgery.

Why gingivoplasty or gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy can be done if you have deep pockets between the teeth and gums due to periodontal disease. The procedure will help to relieve pain that may be caused by periodontal disease.

The main reason for gingivectomy is to remove the deep gum pockets that may lead to buildup, which may cause gum diseases.

Some people have long gums naturally; this may cause the teeth to appear shorter than they want them to look. They can undergo the procedure for cosmetic purposes.

Another reason is when you have gingival enlargement; the procedure will give you a beautiful look and proportional teeth. Gingival enlargement can be caused by the following factors:

  • Poor oral hygiene practices. If you can resume good oral hygiene, then there is no need for the procedure.
  • It may be induced by some medications which may cause the growth of excess gum tissue. Some of the medications include seizure medications and calcium channel blockers.
  • Hereditary gingival Fibromatosis, condition is rare and may not be a source of disturbance until later years in life. This may need repeated gingivectomy procedures.

Expectations

The gingivectomy surgery begins with scaling and root planning to ensure that damaged gum tissue and bacteria are removed. The dentist will then apply anesthesia to numb the gums.

Traditionally, surgical scalpels were used, but in the modern world, a laser device is used to treat the gums. Lasers are well known because they treat the gums faster with little or no bruising. Lasers can also offer a massive antibacterial effect, and there is little or no pain when being treated.

The gums will be protected by the surgical dressing after the surgery to prevent infections and boost healing.

After about ten days, the dentist will remove the dressing. It is important to maintain top-notch oral hygiene after removing the dressing. The dentist will recommend soft foods to avoid rapturing the healing gums.  Before you go home, the specialist should show you how to change the dressing s or bandages.

Who needs the gingivectomy?

You need to visit the dentist to examine the gum tissues. If the dentist finds out that you have some periodontitis symptoms, this is advanced gum disease; then you may need the gingivectomy procedure. Some of the periodontitis symptoms include loose gums that may shift from the original position, pain, bad breath, bleeding, and swollen gums.  This can be treated through laser or surgery, but the dentist will determine depending on the intensity of the condition. If the condition is advanced, the last resort may be a surgical procedure. But if the specialist thinks otherwise, he can recommend a periodontitis gingivectomy, which is effective.

Laser treatment is more comfortable than gingivectomy surgery and can give you the desired results. If you have any fear or doubt, discuss it with the specialist; ask them any question that you may have. The specialist will ensure that the treatment is successful and you should maintain highly recommended hygiene after treatment. You will be given tips and advice on how to take care of your teeth after the procedure. Follow the tips religiously and go for any appointments to keep the gums and teeth in highly recommended condition.

If you have long gums or gum disease, you can ease the discomfort by going to the dentist to determine if you are eligible for the surgical procedure, and your gum issues will be solved.

When to see the specialist

You go back to the specialist if you notice:

  •       Excessive bleeding
  •       Abnormal discharge
  •       Excessive pain
  •       Fiver

Risks

If the procedure is not done well, it can introduce bacteria into the body. The gum tissue may be at risk of an infection if it is not handled with care. You may take antibiotics before and after the procedure if you have any condition that puts you at risk for a severe infection.

You can take antibiotics if you:

  •       Had a major surgery or artificial body parts
  •       Have a weak or impaired immune system.
  •       Have heart issues that may be dangerous to get a heart infection.

Gingivectomy procedure can help to keep periodontal from damaging the gum tissue, bones, and teeth, by helping to keep clean the area around and between the teeth. You may lose the teeth if the bones get damaged.

All You Need To Know About: Gingivectomy Surgery ultima modifica: 2018-11-15T08:40:39-06:00 da Houston Dentist