Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
If it looks like your gums and your teeth seem out of balance when you smile, showing more gums than teeth when you look in the mirror, then cosmetic dentistry might be a viable solution for you.
A gummy smile is neither a health nor hygiene risk, but it certainly can be an issue if you are unsatisfied with your gum-to-teeth ratio. Your dentist will discuss and recommend several cosmetic dentistry options that can address and improve the look of your gummy smile.
First, your dentist will diagnose exactly why you have more gums showing than teeth. Several factors contribute to this issue, with the most being tooth size, upper lip movement, overbites, and any overgrowth of your gums.
Your dentist then takes X-rays, determines your personal gum-to-tooth and jaw line ratios, and exam your upper lip movement. These tests will clarify the best option for you.
A gingivectomy, or a crown lengthening, is a simple oral surgery that removes excessive gums in a minimally invasive approach. This procedure removes tissue overgrowth and improves the appearance of your teeth by removing extra gingiva.
Most people delay until they are adults before having a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is the most popular choice to make your smile look normal and healthy.
This is also true if you have taken some certain medication, including blood pressure pills, or experienced hormonal changes, like pregnancy gingivitis, which causes your gums to become larger and look unnatural. Or you may be concerned because your teeth simply look short.
Having a gingivectomy instead of a more expensive aesthetic procedure is a more cost-effective and less intrusive solution. If the treatment is performed with a laser, you will notice rewarding results on the same day.
A gum lift, or another form of gingivectomy, removing excess gum tissue around your teeth, making them look longer. You do not have to worry about a scalpel if your dentist uses a dental laser to remove the tissue and shape it, so you gain a better tooth-to-gum ratio during your smile.
What are the Benefits of a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy offers an assortment of benefits. The procedure:
- Corrects your gummy smile.
- Removes excessive gum tissue.
- Helps you sustain healthy teeth and gums.
- Reduces harmful oral bacteria.
- Eliminates unwanted periodontal pockets around your teeth.
- Makes both brushing and flossing more effective since you can reach problem areas easier.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
A gingivectomy takes between 30 minutes to one hour, contingent on the amount of gum tissue being removed.
Minor procedures involving just one tooth or only a few teeth can be finished in one appointment. More extensive removal or gum contouring could need several visits, since your dentist intends to let one completed area heal before doing the next.
Here are the steps to the procedure:
- First, to numb the immediate area, your dentist administers a local anesthetic.
- The dentist makes a soft tissue incision with a scalpel or laser tool to remove designated sections of your gum tissue.
- During the treatment, your dentist will include a suction tool to remove any extra saliva in your mouth.
- The dentist may finish with a laser tool, vaporizing excess tissue and sculpting the gumline once the desired tissue has been removed.
- When completed, to promote your healing process, your dentist applies a soft dough-like substance and dressing to the surgical area for protection.