110_ Gingivectomy_ What is a Gingivectomy_

What is a Gingivectomy?

The surgery that is used to remove excessive gum tissue, also known as gingival tissue, is called a gingivectomy. Dental specialists who address issues of the gums and surrounding tissue are called periodontists, and these specialists often use gingivectomy procedures to treat certain types of gum disease. Cosmetic dentists also rely on gingivectomy to improve the appearance of the smile, primarily when a surplus of gum tissue causes the appearance of short teeth or an overly gummy smile. There are two types of gingivectomy that are primarily used by dental specialists: traditional gingivectomy, and laser gingivectomy.

For a traditional gingivectomy, a periodontal surgeon removes excess gum tissue with a scalpel. Sometimes, they may also need to remove some of the underlying bone. Once the tissue has been adjusted, the surgeon may use sutures or stitches to seal incisions and stop bleeding from the surgical site. For a laser gingivectomy, the oral surgeon uses handheld laser tools to remove gum tissue while cauterizing the surgical sites, limiting the need for stitches following the procedure.

When used to treat periodontal disease, gingivectomy reduces the size and depth of the periodontal pockets that harbor bacteria and exacerbate disease. When used as a cosmetic treatment, in addition to treating gummy smiles, gingivectomy can repair gingival swelling caused by orthodontic appliances or by the improper positioning of the teeth. In some cases, some medications can also cause a proliferation of gum tissue; for example, some immunosuppressants and blood pressure medications can cause the gums to appear puffy and overgrown. If a change in medication doesn’t solve this issue, gingivectomy can help.

Before you get a gingivectomy, you and your periodontist will discuss the details of the procedure so you know what to expect. If you elect to be sedated for your procedure, you’ll need to arrange for transportation and aftercare, though there isn’t really anything else you need to do to prepare for a gingivectomy treatment. Typically, a gingivectomy begins with local anesthesia that is used to numb the treated tissues, possibly combined with sedation medication. Once the medications have taken effect and the gingival tissue is numb, the surgeon will remove superfluous tissue with a scalpel or laser. Then, the surgeon reshapes the remaining gum tissue to make sure the gums and teeth are in ideal proportions.

If necessary, the surgeon may also reshape the underlying bone after making small incisions in the gums, and, when a scalpel is used, the surgeon will then stitch together all incisions to stop bleeding and help tissues heal. Some surgeons use a soft putty dressing to protect the surgical site following a gingivectomy, removing this dressing at a follow-up appointment or allowing it to fall out on its own after it’s done its job. Many times, a gingivectomy takes about thirty minutes to an hour to complete, though when several areas are being treated, the procedure may take longer. Because this is an outpatient procedure, patients can go home the same day and should diligently follow post-operative instructions to ensure comfortable, speedy recovery. With effective care, recovery can be expected to last about a week, and benefits and results are permanent.