Gingivectomies
Healthy gums are an important part of a person’s well being and appearance.
Gingivectomy is a dental procedure in which a dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon removes part of the gum tissue in the mouth (the gingiva). A gingivectomy is used to eliminate or reduce gingival overgrowth or enlargement and aid in the treatment of periodontal disease. Through the mechanical removal of build-up such as calculus and plaque, a cleaning procedure referred to as scaling, root planning and curettage (a deep cleaning process that includes scraping the tarter directly off the surface of the teeth, and above/below the gum line), is complete. This treatment option may be performed as a way to reverse specific types of gum disease and heal the effects of periodontal disease. A gingivectomy has the ability to correct certain gum conditions involving the structures and tissue surrounding the teeth. It is one of the few solutions available to trim and remove diseased tissue and allow easier home care maintenance to prevent future damage to the bone and gum tissue.
Why May A Gingivectomy Be Recommended
Healthy gums are an important part of a person’s well being and appearance. Pediatric and orthodontic patients especially, can experience an overgrowth of gum tissue that covers the surface of the teeth. Enlarged areas of tissue disturb the balance between the length of the teeth and the height of the gum line causing an uneven smile. A gingivectomy is done to remove excess tissue and recontour the gum line which helps prevent plaque from collecting in this area.
Gum disease is most commonly caused by plaque, a colorless or whitish film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and below the gum line. Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that if left untreated may lead to tooth loss by attacking the gums, bones and other supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease or simply “gum disease” is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gingivectomies can be used to treat periodontal disease when attachment is lost and deep pockets are created. Prevention is a key factor in avoiding treatments such as this which is why it is so important to be assessed by a pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups at KidZdent will play a major role in helping your child avoid gum disease of other health risks caused by gum disease like heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Signs of Potential Periodontal Disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Tartar or calculus build up on teeth
- Gums that are receded, shrunken and pulled away from the teeth
- Pockets of pus around your teeth
- Teeth that seem loose or have changed position
- Teeth that are sensitive to cold or hot
- Changes in your bite or the way teeth fit together
Additional Reasons for A Gingevectomy
In other situations, a gingivectomy may be recommended for aesthetic reasons as a way to restructure a patient’s smile and gum lines as follows:
- Reshape any gum line
- Remove excess gum tissue
- Help to correct overly 'gummy' smiles
- Improve receding gums or uneven gums
- Reduce Pocket Depth
- Other cosmetic issues that may arise from extreme periodontal disease if left untreated by other means
- Relieve overall appearance of the gums
Causes of Receding Gum Lines
- Soft or hard tissue degeneration
- Tooth Loss/Extraction
- Gum Disease/Infection
- Tooth brush abrasion
What To Expect/How It Works
Typically the treated area will be numbed before one of our experts carefully proceeds to remove excess or damaged gum tissue. Once the area of tissue is removed, a putty-like substance, designed to protect one’s gums during the healing process, is places over the gum tissue. Our dentists will assess every aspect of this treatment plan and advise our patients on proper care instructions immediately following the procedure.
Phases of Gum Treatment
- Modern non-invasive gum treatment (as opposed to the surgical options)
- Regular cleaning, polish and fluoride treatment
- Scaling and root planning (Deep Cleaning)
- Laser assisted periodontal treatment with the state-of-the-art laser technology
- Subgingival irrigation/placements of antibiotics
- Gingivectomy and/or gingivoplasty
- Curettage
- Recall and periodontal maintenance
- & more!
We here at KidZdent go to great lengths to make our dental procedures painless and comfortable. If you have any questions about the treatment options available, feel free to give us a call at our office and someone at our practice will be more than happy to assist you with further information.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need any help from our team? Reach out to us below and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as we see your request.