Contents
Gingivectomy: All About Surgical Gum Removal
Do you suffer from periodontal disease that doesn't heal despite treatments? Are your gums unusually visible when you smile? In these situations, your dentist may suggest a gingivectomy.
This surgical procedure aims to remove excess gum tissue for aesthetic or medical reasons. We'll explain everything about this still little-known procedure.
What Exactly Is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is an oral surgery procedure that involves removing a portion of the gum tissue when it is overgrown. There are two types of procedures:
- A gingivectomy proper, which reduces the height of the gum.
- A gingivoplasty, which reshapes the gum without changing its height.
These procedures are performed by a dentist specializing in periodontics. They can involve one or more teeth, or even an entire jaw in the most extreme cases.
In Which Cases Is a Gingivectomy Performed?
Surgical removal of a portion of the gum is used in three main situations:
- In cases of severe periodontitis: when gum recession is too significant and a simple scaling is no longer sufficient, a gingivectomy helps to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets to stop inflammation.
- To treat gingival hyperplasia: some medications for epilepsy or high blood pressure can cause excessive gum growth that covers the teeth unattractively. Removing this excess tissue is the only solution.
- To correct a "gummy smile": when the smile line is very high and reveals a large band of gum, a gingivectomy can reposition it to a more harmonious level.
How Is a Gingivectomy Procedure Performed?
A gingivectomy is an operation performed in a dental office under local anesthesia. Before the procedure, the practitioner performs a complete cleaning of the mouth to remove plaque and tartar. Then, depending on the situation, they can choose between two techniques:
- The external bevel technique: indicated when the height of the attached gingiva (the part that adheres to the bone) is sufficient. The dentist incises the gum at an angle to expose the tooth's neck.
- The internal bevel technique: preferred when the height of the attached gingiva is low. The incision is made inward to preserve as much tissue as possible.
The instrument used is most often a scalpel, but some practitioners prefer electrosurgery or a laser for faster healing. The operation typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour.
What Is Healing Like After a Gingivectomy?
After the procedure, the dentist places a surgical dressing to protect the wound. The post-operative effects are generally mild, with simple discomfort and slight bleeding possible in the first few days.
To promote good healing and avoid infectious complications, it is essential to follow your dentist's recommendations:
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge the dressing.
- Prefer a warm, soft diet.
- Maintain impeccable oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth with a post-surgical brush.
- Use chlorhexidine mouthwashes if prescribed.
The gum generally returns to its final appearance in 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary.
What Is the Price of a Gingivectomy?
In the United States, the cost of periodontal surgery like a gingivectomy can vary significantly. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 per tooth. For an entire quadrant of the mouth, the cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
This amount may seem high, but the operation is performed by a specialist and its benefits are long-lasting. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for periodontal surgery, so be sure to check with your provider. Be wary of low-cost offers abroad, as the risks are not negligible!
Gingivectomy: Pros and Cons of the Procedure
A gingivectomy offers many benefits:
- It stops the progression of periodontal diseases by reducing pocket depth.
- It removes diseased or infected gum tissue.
- It facilitates daily oral hygiene by eliminating areas where plaque can accumulate.
- It corrects cosmetic defects related to overly visible or asymmetrical gums.
- It prepares for the subsequent placement of prosthetics by creating space.
The risks and side effects are rare:
- Infectious complications if post-operative hygiene is neglected.
- Transient tooth sensitivity due to gum recession.
- Change in the appearance of the teeth, which may seem longer.
- Possible recurrence of gingival hyperplasia if the cause is not eliminated.
What Are the Alternatives to a Gingivectomy?
Sometimes, a gingivectomy is not sufficient or appropriate. Other periodontal surgery procedures may then be considered:
- Flap surgery provides access to bone lesions.
- Gum grafts are used to rebuild sufficient gum tissue in cases of recession.
- Crown lengthening aims to surgically expose more of the tooth from its gum and bone envelope to prepare it for a prosthetic restoration.
Gingivectomy: An Effective Solution to Regain Your Smile
While the idea of having part of your gum removed may be worrying, a gingivectomy is actually a low-risk and very beneficial procedure when properly indicated. Whether to treat a periodontal problem or to improve the aesthetics of a smile, its results are quick and lasting.
Of course, the success of the operation depends on the practitioner's expertise but also on good patient cooperation in the follow-up. That's why it's essential to follow post-operative advice, with oral hygiene being paramount. Regular follow-ups with the dentist are essential to maintain the effects of the procedure.
Think a gingivectomy might help you? The first step is to consult a periodontist. After a thorough examination, they can offer you the most suitable solution for your case. Don't be afraid to ask all your questions; they are there to guide and reassure you!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Gingivectomy
Does a gingivectomy hurt?
No, the operation is performed under local anesthesia and is therefore painless. The aftermath may be accompanied by mild discomfort or sensitivity, but the pain is generally well-controlled by painkillers.
How long does healing take after a gingivectomy?
It takes an average of 3 to 4 weeks for the gum to regain a normal and fully healed appearance. But from the day after the procedure, it is possible to eat and brush your teeth normally with some precautions.
Can a gingivectomy be done on all teeth?
This procedure mainly concerns the front teeth, on either the upper or lower jaw. But in some cases of generalized hyperplasia, it can be extended to the molars and premolars.
What are the risks of gum removal?
Like any surgery, a gingivectomy carries rare risks of infection or hemorrhage. Complications are most often related to poor healing due to a lack of hygiene. Hence the importance of rigorous post-operative follow-up.