A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure‌ that removes some‌ of the gum tissue around your teeth․ Your dentist or periodontist‌ might recommend a gingivectomy to address excess gum tissue, diseased gum tissue, or other issues that affect your dental health or‌ the appearance of your smile․ The dentist or specialist may remove or reshape excess gum tissue to‌ create a more easily maintainable‌ gumline․

Gingivectomy is used as a treatment in a variety of situations, but the most common is to treat severe periodontal disease․ When bacteria builds up around the gums,‌ pockets can form between the teeth and gums from inflammation,‌ where bacteria can continue to thrive, making it difficult for patients to brush and floss the affected teeth at home․ A gingivectomy can help eliminate these pockets by cutting away tissue to allow the gums‌ to fit more closely around the‌ tooth․

In other cases, it is done solely for cosmetic purposes when the gums are covering too much of the‌ teeth‌ or making them appear shorter or uneven․ This‌ can be referred to as a “gummy smile․” A gingivectomy helps to reshape the gumline to expose more of the teeth and create a more symmetrical smile․

This procedure is relatively straightforward and is performed in the dentist’s office, with‌ the dentist‌ or periodontist administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable during it․ Once the area is thoroughly numb, the excess gum tissue‌ will be reshaped using instruments and/or a‌ dental laser․ The type of‌ procedure used will depend‌ on your needs and the type of equipment the practice has․ Depending on the technique used, stitches may‌ be required; newer procedures using laser technology may not require stitches after tissue is removed․ The procedure can take less than an hour,‌ depending on how many areas to be treated․

Recovery is usually‌ straightforward․ You might experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and‌ sensitivity for a few days after a gingivectomy․ Follow the postoperative instructions to promote healing and reduce your chance of infection or complication․ You may need to use medicated mouth‌ rinses, diet modifications, and recommendations for gentle brushing and flossing․ Most people return to normal activity in‌ a short time․

Following a gingivectomy, oral hygiene is easier because after the excessive tissue has been removed and the gum pockets have been reduced, it‌ is easier to brush and use dental floss․ This can help prevent plaque or bacteria from building up again and‌ help keep your gums healthy in the long term․ Regular dental appointments may help you keep your mouth healthy and track‌ your progress․

Once you know more about what a gingivectomy is, the next step is deciding whether to do it․ You might want to get one if you are facing gum problems that could affect the health of your teeth, gums, or appearance of your smile.

If you have more questions about gingivectomies or how they could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if a gingivectomy is the best treatment plan for you.

Related Article: Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?