FEATHERSTONE PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

a gingivectomy only requires gum tissue be removed from around the tooth or teeth

Over 35 years of experience with over 20,000 dental implants placed
& More than 60,000 dental surgeries performed

Featherstone-36

Gingivectomy (Gum Lift) in Rockford, Dixon, Janesville, and Madison

A gingivectomy (also known as a gum lift) is a common dental procedure (typically cosmetic in nature) that is performed to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile through the reshaping of underlying bones and/or tissue. Unlike a crown lengthening procedure, which involves removal of bone, a gingivectomy only requires gum tissue be removed from around the tooth or teeth.

While a gingivectomy may be performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also be an effective method for treating periodontitis. By performing a gingivectomy, your periodontist will have improved visibility and accessibility to perform a scaling and root planing procedure, which involves the removal of calculus and smoothing the roots of your teeth, which makes it difficult for bacteria to accumulate. If a gingivectomy has been suggested to treat periodontitis, it is important to have this procedure performed as soon as possible, as untreated periodontitis can cause a number of oral and general health issues to develop, including tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

With over 60,000 dental surgeries performed and over 20,000 dental implants placed, you can be confident that you will receive high quality care from established professionals that is designed to meet your unique needs. To schedule an appointment for a gingivectomy/gum lift, or if you have any additional questions concerning the procedure or clinic policies, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.

Schedule an Appointment at one of our 4 convenient locations

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Rockford, ILLINOIS

1055 Featherstone Road, Suite B
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 261-1739
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DIXON, ILLINOIS

629 North Galena Avenue, Suite 230
Dixon, IL 61201
(815) 261-1739
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JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN

111 North Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 208-1576
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MADISON, WISCONSIN

5709 Odana Rd
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 416-5205
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DR. MARK LINDMAN

Dr. Lindman is a native of Rockford. Dr. Lindman received his professional degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His graduate training in periodontics was completed at Northwestern University College of Dentistry Where he received a Certificate Degree in Periodontics and a Master of Science degree.

DR. JEFFERY BURCH

Dr. Burch grew up in Villa Park, IL. Dr. Burch attended Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in Biochemistry. Dr. Burch earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.  He received his Certificate Degree in Periodontics and Master of Science from Saint Louis University.

DR. BRANDON HULL

Dr. Hull grew up in Monmouth, IL. Dr. Hull earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University and his Certificate in Periodontics from Saint Louis University, Department of Periodontics. While at Saint Louis University, Dr. Hull completed an anesthesia program and uses sedation and pain control techniques in his practice.

DR. KATRINE ANDREASEN

Dr. Andreasen grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Clemson University. She attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Andreasen continued there to complete a residency in Periodontics and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry.

DR. NOVIN PISHEVAR

Dr. Novin Pishevar grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health with a focus on aging populations from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After college, Dr. Pishevar received his dental education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Advantages and Disadvantages to Having a Gingivectomy or Gum Lift

When deciding whether to have a gingivectomy/gum lift, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages. To help assist in this decision-making process, we have provided a list of advantages and disadvantages below.

Advantages

  • Improved aesthetic appearance of anterior teeth
  • Supports teeth that require additional restorative procedures
  • Minimal removal of soft tissue
  • Lengthens crown height
  • Corrects uneven gingival zeniths
  • Restore sub- and supra- gingiva
  • Reduces display of maxillary gingiva
  • Preserves the integrity of periodontal structures

Disadvantages

  • Cannot correct bony defects
  • Not effective for patients with fragile gingiva
  • Potential for ‘’black triangles” to develop
  • Mild discomfort during the procedure and some recovery time required

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What to Expect During the Gingivectomy/Gum Lift Process

Prior to performing the gingivectomy/gum lift procedure, we will conduct an in depth dental and medical health history review to determine the underlying reason why gingivectomy/gum lift is necessary. This process will include an examination of your bite and for any indications of loose teeth, bone loss, TMJ, oral cancer, or signs of periodontal disease.

Once the underlying cause has been identified and it is determined that gingivectomy/gum lift is the appropriate treatment option for you, the procedure will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation. Following this, we will begin to make a series of incisions at the gum line to separate the teeth and gums. This can be done using a scalpel, laser, or combination of both. Once the exposed roots and bones are reduced, we will contour the surrounding teeth by removing tissue until enough tooth is visible and the desired gumline is achieved. Finally, we will review the aesthetic appearance of your new gumline and place bandages over the area, after which the procedure will be complete.

Aftercare Following Gingivectomy/Gum Lift

Following your gingivectomy/gum lift, it is essential to follow these and any additional post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist to minimize risks and enjoy a fast recovery.

  • To reduce pain or discomfort, take the recommended dosage of prescribed painkillers and/or over-the counter medication.
  • To reduce swelling, apply an ice bag over the area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time.
  • Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • Avoid intense physical activity and rest as much as possible for the first 24 hours.
  • Eat soft foods such as applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or soup for the first two weeks and slowly reintroduce harder foods as the healing process progresses.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking
  • Continue practicing good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular periodontal exams to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

By following these instructions and continuing to keep your teeth and gums clean, you will enjoy a fast healing process and can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Cost of Gingivectomy/Gum lift

The cost of gingivectomy/gum lift will depend on several factors, such as whether dental sedation is used, the severity of your case, and your dental insurance plan. At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing you with high-quality, comprehensive periodontal services, which is why we provide you with flexible payment options to ensure that you receive the care you require.

If you are covered under a dental insurance plan, we do ask that you bring your insurance cards and any necessary forms with you to your appointment. We are happy to provide a pre-estimate of dental benefits prior to treatment, and will submit any receipts, forms, or other information required by your insurance company. Once insurance payment has been received, the remaining balance will be mailed to you.

Please note: our office does offer a 5% reduction in fee for full payment at the time services are provided (contingent on treatment type). We also offer extended payment plans through GreenSky Patient Solutions or Care Credit. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or American Express.

Periodontal Care You Can Trust at Featherstone

At Featherstone Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing high-quality care and supporting your efforts to enjoy good periodontal health by identifying and correcting periodontal issues early, and implementing correct and consistent oral health self-care.  Although we offer a range of surgical treatment options for periodontal disease and its associated health and cosmetic impacts, our primary focus is to provide conservative treatment, avoiding surgery whenever possible.

To learn more about clinic policies or schedule an appointment for a gingivectomy/gum lift, contact our Rockford office at 815.261.1739, our Dixon office at 815.261.1739, our Janesville office at 608.208.1576, or our Madison office at 608.416.5205.