Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is the simple surgical removal of gum tissue, or gingiva. A gingivectomy is often used to treat conditions like gingivitis. It is also used to remove extra gum tissue for aesthetic cosmetic reasons, such as improving and balancing the ratio of your teeth and gums with your smile.
Are You a Candidate for a Gingivectomy?
Your dentist could recommend a gingivectomy if you have gum recession from:
- Natural aging.
- A bacterial infection.
- A gum disease, like gingivitis.
- A gum injury.
A Gingivectomy for Gum Disease
If you are indeed experiencing a form of gum disease, your dentist may very well recommend this procedure to prevent any further gum damage in addition to creating easier access to the teeth for proper cleaning.
Gum disease quite often creates gaps and pockets that always accelerate the increased buildup of bacteria, plaque, and hardened plaque, which is called calculus or tartar. Those buildups will contribute to further damage.
Your dentist could suggest a gingivectomy if they identify gum disease during a routine check-up and want to stop the progression.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A gingivectomy will take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of gum tissue removed.
A procedure involving just one tooth, or a few teeth can usually be performed in just one visit. Serious gum removal or reshaping might take several visits, to allow one section to heal before the next area is addressed.
Here are the common steps to a gingivectomy:
- A local anesthetic is administered to numb the immediate area.
- Your dentist will use a scalpel or a dental laser to remove small pieces of gum tissue. This is called soft tissue incision.
- During the gingivectomy, your dentist will keep a suction tool in your mouth to control saliva.
- After the tissue has been removed, your dentist may use a dental laser tool to vaporize any remaining unwanted tissue and to create, shape, and contour the gumline.
- A soft putty-like substance is applied to protect your gums while they heal.
The Recovery Process
You may experience some minor discomfort. You will be instructed to eat only soft foods so eating will not irritate your gums during the healing process.
You can always apply a cold compress to your cheeks to soothe any discomfort. A warm saltwater rinse or saline solution is also beneficial to keep the surgical area free of bacteria.
You may also need to take an antibiotic to prevent an infection. Soreness will subside after a week. Take conscientious care of your teeth by brushing and flossing twice daily, reducing sugar, and avoid smoking.
How Much Does a Gingivectomy Cost?
Gingivectomy costs can range from $200 to $400 per tooth. Your dentist might charge less for multiple teeth, usually up to three, treated in one appointment.
If you have dental insurance, a gingivectomy is usually covered if it is performed to treat periodontal disease or a mouth injury. The cost varies depending on how much tissue is removed and how many appointments it takes to complete.
Your insurance most likely will not cover the costs if it is done for elective cosmetic reasons.
Gingivectomy is a common, low-cost, low-risk procedure for treating damaged gum tissue or to improve the appearance of your smile. Recovery is minimal and the outcome is most often successful.