Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. are affected by a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease or gum disease causes inflammation in the tissue that supports and holds the teeth securely in place. A gingivectomy is a procedure which can be used to effectively reverse the negative side effects associated with gum disease.

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomies are used to treat the side effects from gum disease when scaling and root planing is ineffective. The gums can be restored which ensures the teeth are properly supported.

Another term used to describe a gingivectomy is crown lengthening. A key benefit of the procedure is that it is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The removal of excess gum tissue aids in restoring the patient’s oral health. It can also help cosmetically improve the appearance of their smile. A gingivectomy is typically performed on adult patients as it is not suitable for children.

Cosmetic Treatment

A gingivectomy is an effective treatment used to restore the appearance of a patient’s smile. It is possible for the gums to become bigger and have overgrowth when patients take certain medications or experience hormonal changes related to pregnancy. Patients may also want to improve the appearance of their gummy smile, which makes the teeth appear shorter than they actually are.

In many cases, a gingivectomy is less invasive and more cost-effective compared to other aesthetic procedures used to modify the appearance of the gums. When the endodontist completes the procedure with a laser, the results are virtually immediate.

Procedure Summary

A gingivectomy is often recommended when the dentist detects the presence of infection or gum disease. In most cases, the procedure takes about 30-60 minutes. The procedure duration varies based on factors such as the amount of gum tissue which requires removal. A single appointment is typically used for minor cases while more severe cases may require additional visits.

Procedure Summary

  1. A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment site
  2. A scalpel or specialized laser is used to strategically remove small sections of gum tissue
  3. After gum tissue is used, a laser tool vaporizes excess tissue and sculpts the gums
  4. If a scalpel is used, sutures are used to close the treatment site
  5. Soft putty is applied over the area to protect the gums during the healing process
  6. Patients will have a follow-up appointment to evaluate how the mouth is healing

Gingivectomy Candidates

Common issues or conditions which make patients good candidates for a gingivectomy are summarized below:

  1. Injury or trauma to the gums
  2. Gum disease
  3. Gum recession or periodontal pockets
  4. Natural aging

A common treatment for gum disease is a gingivectomy. The procedure is effective in the prevention of additional damage and preserving the natural teeth. Another benefit of the procedure is that it becomes easier to practice good oral hygiene.

Contact the office today to schedule a consultation with the team. The dentist can evaluate the mouth and quickly determine patients are a good candidate for a gingivectomy to restore their oral health.

Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?