110_ Gingivectomy_ Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy_

Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?

According to the American Dental Association, about half of the adults over 30 in the United States have periodontal disease, which is characterized by inflammation in the tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums, connective tissues, and bone. In its earlier stages, when inflammation appears only in the gum tissue, the disease is known as gingivitis and is reversible. As this inflammation progresses into the periodontal tissues, the disease becomes more difficult to treat. Gingivectomy is one treatment for periodontal disease, and it is unique in its ability to reverse periodontal disease and restore the periodontal tissues to health. The first treatment steps that are used to address gingivitis are dental scaling and root planing, in which a dentist deep cleans the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gum line, removing infection and allowing the gums to heal securely around the teeth, where they belong. When gingivitis has progressed, however, scaling and root planing might be insufficient, and gingivectomy is the next step. The gingivectomy treatment addresses the destruction caused by periodontal disease and helps restore the health of the structures that support the teeth.

Gingivectomy might also be called for as a cosmetic treatment if there is a proliferation of gum tissue or if the tissues are excessively swollen, which can adversely affect the appearance of the smile and make the teeth seem unusually short or boxy. This can occur following orthodontic treatment or because of certain medications or hormonal fluctuations, and it can also happen simply because of genetics. Removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the remaining tissue makes the visible portions of the teeth appear longer and more symmetrically proportioned with the gums. In many cases, gingivectomy is preferable to more invasive or expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers or dental crowns.

Gingivectomy is rarely performed on children and might be recommended by a dentist for a few different reasons, including gum disease, gum injury or infection, and even aging. Removing excess tissue can help prevent the damage of gum disease from progressing, and it also increases the ease of keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and free from bacteria. When gum tissue is swollen or overgrown, it can create deep pockets between the gums and teeth, and these pockets can easily accumulate plaque and tartar and become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that destroy the teeth and oral tissues. At each dental checkup, your dentist will evaluate your mouth and teeth for gum disease, tooth decay, and other infection; if gum disease or infection is present, your dentist may recommend gingivectomy to prevent disease or infection from spreading or worsening.

While regular dental checkups are one of the first lines of defense against gingivitis and periodontitis, if you’re self-conscious about your smile or otherwise think you might be a good candidate for a gingivectomy, talk to your dentist. Only a dental professional can determine whether the procedure is a good idea for each patient and explain its benefits, and they can also outline any possible risks or drawbacks. Ultimately, gingivectomy is intended to improve the health and appearance of the oral cavity and can be used to address a variety of concerns, and you and your dentist can decide if it’s a good idea for you.