Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
If it appears like your gums and your teeth are slightly proportionally out of balance during your smile, with more gums visible than teeth when you look at yourself in the mirror, then a cosmetic dental treatment might be a viable solution for you.
A gummy smile is not a health or hygiene risk, but it might become an issue if you are uncomfortable with your gum-to-teeth ratio. Your periodontist may suggest several options that will help if you want to change your gummy smile.
Causes for a Gingivectomy Procedure
Your periodontist will diagnose and identify exactly why your gums are more visible than your teeth. Several factors might cause this imbalance issue, with the most frequent being tooth size, upper lip size and movement, overbites, and overgrowth of your gums.
Your periodontist will take a 3D scan, probe to determine your specific ratio of gum-to-tooth and your jaw line, and check your lip movement. These tests will help determine the best option for you.
A gingivectomy, also referred to as crown lengthening, is a simple oral surgery which is the removal of excessive gums in a minimally invasive manner. This procedure will reduce tissue overgrowth and improve the appearance of your teeth by removing excessive gingiva.
It is wise to wait until you are an adult before having a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is the primary treatment choice to make your smile look more balanced.
This can also be true if you have been taking medication, such as blood pressure pills, or have undergone hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or gingivitis, which will also cause your gums to become larger. You could just be concerned because your teeth just look short.
Having a gingivectomy instead of a more expensive aesthetic procedure is both less intrusive and more cost-effective.
A gingivectomy, or a gum lift, easily and simply removes excessive gum tissue around your teeth, which makes them look longer.
What are the Benefits of a Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy offers a variety of benefits. The procedure will:
- Remove any excessive or overgrown gum tissue.
- Correct your gummy smile.
- Remove harmful oral bacteria.
- Eliminate damaging periodontal pockets around the teeth.
- Make your brushing and flossing efforts more effective, providing easier access to problem areas.
- Help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
Here are the steps to a gingivectomy:
- First, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area.
- Your periodontist will do a soft tissue incision with either a dental laser or a scalpel to remove specific gum tissue.
- The periodontist might finish with a dental laser to vaporize excessive tissue and to sculpt your gumline once the targeted tissue has been removed.
- When finished, to enhance your healing process, your periodontist might apply a soft dough-like substance and small bandages for protection.
Related Article: How Painful is a Gingivectomy?