A gingivectomy is a treatment that is recommended when the gums are partially obstructing a tooth. This can aid smiles that appear “gummy” or teeth that appear “short.”
Everybody has different gums and other oral characteristics. While some people deal with receding gums, others have gums that cover more of their teeth. A gingivectomy, or the removal of gum tissue, may be beneficial in both situations.
Understanding the gingivectomy procedure is helpful whether you want to treat your gingivitis or just make aesthetic improvements. Continue reading to discover your alternatives and what to anticipate.
Who Should Consider Having A Gingivectomy?
In the event that you have gum recession brought on by:
- Ageing
- Gum conditions such as gingivitis
- Bacterial illnesses
- Gum damage
Gum Surgery For Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest this procedure to halt future gum damage and to make it easier for them to clean your teeth. Gum disease commonly causes openings at the base of the teeth.
These holes might allow for the buildup of
- plaque
- bacteria
- Calculus or tartar is the term for hardened plaque.
These accumulations can then result in more harm.
Additionally, your dentist may suggest this procedure if gum disease or infection is discovered during a checkup or cleaning and they wish to stop its progression.
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What To Anticipate Throughout The Treatment
The length of a gingivectomy might range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much gum tissue is removed by your dentist.
Minor operations involving one or more teeth may often only require one appointment. Major gum contouring or removal may need numerous visits, particularly if your dentist wishes to wait until one region has healed before moving on to the next.
This is how the process goes:
- To numb the region, your dentist injects local anaesthetic into the gums.
- The gum tissue is removed by your dentist using a laser or a scalpel. A soft tissue incision is what this is.
- Your dentist will probably retain a suction instrument in your mouth during the process to spit out extra saliva.
- Your dentist will probably use a laser instrument to vaporise any leftover tissue and sculpt the gumline once the tissue has been removed.
- To protect your gums while they recover, your dentist applies bandages and a soft putty-like material to the region.
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Gingivectomy Types
Scalpel and laser gingivectomy are the two basic varieties.
Scalpel
The oldest and most popular surgery is a scalpel gingivectomy. To remove the sick tissue, a scalpel is used to cut through the tissue. Despite being the most common choice for this treatment, it can be difficult since the surgeons must create tiny incisions deep in the tissue.
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Pros
This method is increasingly widely used and more dentists are capable of using it.
Damage to lateral tissue is prevented.
Cons
It might not be as accurate as a laser gingivectomy.
There may be bleeding after the procedure.
Laser
Although a laser gingivectomy is more effective at eliminating gingival tissue, it still calls for greater accuracy and ability to guarantee no harm is done. Laser gingivectomies are becoming increasingly typical as technology develops. However, not every dentist’s clinic or surgeon will provide these as they need specific tools and further training.
Pros
- The majority of patients don’t need stitches since the laser cauterises the tissue.
- One research found that using this method often results in speedier recovery.
- Scalpels typically aren’t as accurate as lasers.
- This kind is safe for those who use blood thinners since the cauterization prevents any bleeding.
Cons
- Usually, it is more costly.
- Laser gingivectomies are not always covered by insurance providers.
- Not all dentists are qualified to execute the treatment since it calls for additional training and tools.
Recovery And Follow-Up
When performing a gingivectomy, doctors often simply use local anaesthetic so that patients may drive themselves home following the treatment. If a medical practitioner suggests changing the dressings, it is crucial to do so. Following surgery, patients should refrain from consuming warm or hot liquids and limit their diet to soft meals for roughly a week.
Risks
Minor pain and discomfort following a gingivectomy are risks of the treatment. Infection is the greatest danger. Before and after their gingivectomy, those who are more prone to infection might need to take antibiotics to stop an infection.
Additionally, they need to follow a stringent oral hygiene routine both before and after the treatment. To avoid the accumulation of germs, a dentist or doctor may advise a patient to frequently clean and floss their teeth.
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Ask the surgeon any questions you may have concerning the operation. They will be able to describe what will occur during the gingivectomy and discuss any dangers in advance.
Gingivectomy Before & After
Final Words
A gingivectomy is a surgical operation where extra gum tissue is removed after a tiny incision is made in the gum tissue. For those with gum disease, this is normally an outpatient surgery; however, a surgeon may do it for aesthetic purposes.
After a gingivectomy, the majority of people will only need to clean the chewing surfaces of their impacted teeth. In order to prevent them from disturbing the bandages or dressings, this is done.
After a gingivectomy, gum tissue does not regrow. They may require up to six months to fully recover.
The anaesthesia used during a gingivectomy could affect how much pain a patient feels afterwards. The only sensation that an anaesthetic should provide is a little scrape from the injection. Following the surgery, there may be some soreness and discomfort, but this is normal, and the majority of individuals can handle it with over-the-counter medicines.
