Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy, also referred to as crown lengthening, is a kind of minor oral surgery that pertains to removing gums in a minimally invasive approach. The procedure manages tissue overgrowth and will improve the appearance of your teeth by removing excessive gum tissue, or gingiva.
Gingivectomies are most often performed on adults. A gingivectomy is the common treatment option to improve your smile and make it look the best it can be.
If you have taken a medication like a form of blood pressure pills or have undergone hormonal changes, like pregnancy gingivitis, your gums can become larger and will look unnatural.
You can also elect to have a gingivectomy if you have what is called a gummy smile, when your teeth appear to be shorter due to excessive gum tissue.
Having a gingivectomy instead of an expensive alternative is both less intrusive and more cost-effective. If your procedure is performed with a dental laser, you will enjoy wonderful results in the same day.
Are You a Candidate for Gingivectomy
Your dentist could recommend a gingivectomy if you are experiencing gum recession from:
- Natural aging.
- A gum injury.
- Gum injury infections caused by bacteria.
- Gingivitis.
Your dentist might recommend a gingivectomy because you are being treated for gum disease to prevent further damage. It will also make it more efficient for both you and your dentist to clean your teeth.
Gum disease often causes sagging pockets at the base of the teeth. These gaps will accelerate the accumulation of:
- Calculus.
- Tartar.
- Bacteria.
- Plaque.
Increased damage will result because of these buildups.
If your dentist identifies an infection or gum disease during your dental care check-up or regular teeth cleaning and suggests stopping the progression, they could propose a gingivectomy.
A gingivectomy will usually take from 30 minutes to one hour, contingent on the amount of gum tissue removed.
Why Would You Need a Gingivectomy?
There are a variety of reasons you might consider gingivectomy. The procedure involves reshaping either inflamed or excessive gums and can be beneficial when used to cure issues ranging from gum disease to elective cosmetic improvements.
Gum disease often necessitates gingivectomy. Gingivitis results in sagging pockets between the gums and the teeth. Bacteria accumulate in these pockets, accelerating the infection and irritation of your gums.
Gum reshaping is sometimes beneficial as part of a restoration process. When the gums block access to the teeth that need restoration, your dentist needs to remove some tissue to provide access to the teeth.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
A minor gingivectomy involving one tooth or a few teeth usually requires only one appointment. More extensive gum contouring or removal could need several visits, particularly if your dentist intends to let one area heal before addressing the next.
The following are the common steps in the procedure:
- First, to numb the area, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to the immediate location.
- Your dentist will next perform a soft tissue incision with either a dental laser or a scalpel to remove small sections of the excessive gum tissue.
- During this removal process, your dentist will also use a suction tool to remove extra saliva accumulating in your mouth.
- Your dentist may use the dental laser to then vaporize excess tissue and skillfully sculpt the gumline after the tissue has been removed.
- To help your recovery, your dentist often will apply a soft dough-like substance and bandages to the site to protect your gums.