What is a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a simple and straightforward oral surgery to remove excessive or overgrown gum tissue, or gingiva. Your periodontist will use a gingivectomy to treat the stages of periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a popular and common cosmetic dentistry procedure used to correct a gummy smile, which is when excessive gum tissue makes your teeth look either shorter or boxier.

Are You a Candidate for a Gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy procedure could be beneficial for you if you have:

  1. Gingivitis or periodontitis.
  2. A gummy smile, which makes your teeth appear shorter.
  3. Periodontal pockets or gaps when your gums have sagged away from your teeth.
  4. Orthodontic appliances such as braces.
  5. Tooth malposition – the position of your tooth resulting in excess gum tissue.

Some medications cause excessive gum tissue. Two common examples include amlodipine for high blood pressure control or cyclosporine prescribed as an immunosuppressant. If you develop swollen gums after you have begun a particular medication, inform your dentist. They might be able to recommend switching the medication or altering your dosage.

The Benefits of a Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy will offer a variety of benefits:

  1. It removes excessive, overgrown gum tissue.
  2. It corrects a gummy smile.
  3. Stymies and removes unwanted, harmful oral bacteria.
  4. Decrease the sagging gaps or periodontal pockets around your teeth.
  5. It may make brushing and flossing more effective since you can now reach problem areas.
  6. Help you preserve healthy teeth and gums.

Types of Gingivectomy

There are two primary kinds of gingivectomy:

  1. Traditional gingivectomy- Your periodontist uses a scalpel to remove excess gum tissue. Sometimes they may need to remove a small amount of underlying bone. They use sutures to close any incisions.
  2. Laser gingivectomy- Your periodontist uses a dental laser to remove excess gum tissue. Lasers also naturally cauterize, or seal the gum tissue, so you do not need sutures.

The Gingivectomy Procedure

Here are the usual steps you can expect during your gingivectomy procedure:

  1. Anesthesia- Before beginning, your dental team will administer anesthesia to numb the immediate affected area of your gums. If determined beneficial, a sedative can be necessary to help you relax.
  2. Removal of excess gum tissue- Using either a surgical scalpel or dental laser, your periodontist removes the excess or overgrown gum tissue.
  3. Gum reshaping- After the excess gum tissue is removed, your periodontist reshapes your gums. This makes sure that your gums are proportionally in balance with your teeth.
  4. Bone reshaping- In some cases, your periodontist may need to reshape the underlying bone. To accomplish this, they need to introduce a small incision along your gum line.
  5. Sutures- Your periodontist uses stitches to close incisions and stop any minor bleeding.
  6. Dressing or bandages – Your periodontist may place a soft putty over the surgical area to protect it. This dressing falls out on its own. If it will not fall out, your dental team will simply remove it at your first follow-up appointment.

You should expect some minor discomfort following your gingivectomy. You may manage the discomfort and any other minor side effects with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Related Article: Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?