Gingivectomy Procedure
What is Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a gum surgery procedure to remove excess tissue covering the visible part of the teeth. This procedure can be done to make it easier to clean the teeth or, more often, to make the smile look better. Depending on the clinical situation, there are different ways to do surgery. The most modern way is to use a laser.
A Gingivectomy aims to restore the gums to a healthy, natural form to restore the smile’s harmony. Gingivectomy improves everyday cleaning by removing extra gum tissue, which collects bacteria.
Why do a gingivectomy?
When the gums are enlarged, covering an abnormal part of the dental crown, the smile’s aesthetics is altered. Different causes are frequently found:
- The gummy smile, linked to a lack of passive eruption of the teeth, for example,
- Persistent gingivitis and periodontitis, when dental planning and good dental hygiene fail, and aesthetic consequences persist after treatment,
- Gingival hyperplasia, linked to the taking of certain drugs against hypertension and epilepsy, in particular, the gums then take on unusual volume,
- Periodontal pockets.
Gingivectomy decreases dental plaque when hypertrophy is considerable. Your doctor may prescribe a surgical or nonsurgical technique based on your clinical situation.
During or after orthodontics, a gingivectomy may be performed.
What are the contraindications to performing gum surgery?
There are no absolute contraindications to performing a gingivectomy. On the other hand, some circumstances consistently result in surgical failures, in particular:
- Insufficient oral hygiene.
- Poor gum health.
- The presence of intraosseous lesions associated with periodontal pockets.
- Insufficient attached gingiva height, less than 3mm.
- The need for bone surgery.
- The presence of risk factors for infective endocarditis requires your cardiologist’s advice.
These failure factors will be examined during your initial appointment with your dental surgeon.
Procedure and Process Treatment
We utilize different surgical techniques at Virginia Dental Care to perform gingivectomies depending on the practitioner's causes and expertise. This operation is performed under local anaesthesia in the dental office.
1. The First Consultation
During your first appointment, our dentist looks at your mouth, especially your periodontal pockets, and comes up with a comprehensive treatment plan based on your clinical diagnosis and how you want your teeth to look.
2. Cosmetic Gingivectomy
A periodontist removes excess gum tissue under anesthesia. Without the use of lasers, bleeding is managed and dressed. Cold packs reduce bleeding and edema after surgery. Patients can eat normally once the mouth numbness fades.
3. Gingivectomy Recovery
A gingivectomy normally causes very minor pain and discomfort. The dentist may tell you: don't rush scars during the first 24 hours. To prevent bleeding, avoid hot food for 1-2 days. Maintain cleanness. Use antiseptic mouthwashes for 7–10 days.
4. Gingivectomy Results
The gingivectomy procedure is a good way to treat periodontal disease or make your smile look better. It offers the chance to get rid of extra gum, which in addition to being unattractive, creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
What is the price range for a gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy procedure might cost between $200 and $400 out of pocket for each tooth. Some dentists may charge less for up to three teeth in a single appointment.
Your insurance plan probably covers a gingivectomy to treat periodontal disease or an oral injury if you have one. The price varies according to how much work is done and how many sessions are needed to finish it.
If it’s done for aesthetic purposes, your insurance will generally not cover it.
What connections exist between gingivectomy and gingivoplasty?
Gum tissue is removed during a gingivectomy.
Gingivoplasty is the process of reshaping the gums to prevent tooth decay, make it easier to chew food or change your appearance.
Treatment for gingivoplasty is less common than for gum disease. However, it may be carried out if the gums are harmed by a hereditary disorder or as part of other dental operations to restore tooth and gum function, particularly as you age, and your gums and teeth lose their definition.
