Sometimes gum tissue (gingiva) around your teeth may be diseased or may not be ideally shaped for optimum health. A gingivectomy is the removal of this tissue by surgery, for both the appearance of gums and to treat periodontal disease when periodontal therapy alone is not sufficient. An unusual shape of gums can have many causes, including an individual’s genetic makeup, disease history, or previous trauma. Treatment can help make these gums look more natural. In severe cases of periodontitis, patients are sometimes referred to a periodontist. However, most cases can easily be treated in our office.
What a gingivectomy procedure involves
Prior to having a gingivectomy treatment, a thorough cleaning of your teeth is necessary to remove bacteria and tartar from the deep pockets of your teeth. Then, by gently using scalpels or lasers, the gums are treated. Specialized dressing is then placed on your gums and they are allowed to heal for at least a week following surgery. A soft diet is necessary for appropriate gum recovery. We will provide you with some useful diet advice at the time of your appointment. A prescription for pain may also be given and an antiseptic mouthwash is typically recommended. There are no major risks involved with the procedure, but some patients do experience prolonged bleeding (24-48 hours). Typically there is minimal pain associated with a gingivectomy and the experience is usually very positive.
After treatment, you should find that not only is the shape of your gums different, but your teeth will be much easier to clean. If you do not properly brush and floss on a regular basis after a gingivectomy treatment, you may find that the gum disease will continue to progress. Smoking and the use of tobacco tends to also increase a patients risk for gum disease. It is recommended that the use of these products is limited or stopped all together during the healing process.