If you have gum disease, your dental provider may have recently suggested you consider a gingivectomy. The procedure is also commonly performed as a cosmetic treatment to reduce the overall appearance of the gums. If you are considering your provider’s advice and want to learn more, read on below for more information about what the procedure involves and what you can expect.
What Is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure where excess, overgrown, or diseased gum tissue, technically called gingiva, is removed. Periodontists, or gum specialists, commonly recommend a gingivectomy to treat gum disease. Once the swollen and diseased gum tissue is removed, it helps eliminate infection and improve the overall health of the teeth and gums. An additional common reason a periodontist performs a gingivectomy is to cosmetically correct a “gummy smile.” It takes about a week to recover after a gingivectomy, and the results are usually permanent.
The Gingivectomy Procedure
There are two common approaches to performing a gingivectomy:
- Traditional Gingivectomy. During a traditional procedure, a surgeon will use a scalpel to cut away excess gum tissue from around the teeth and gum line. If needed, they may use stitches to close any incisions and reduce bleeding.
- Laser Gingivectomy. During a laser gingivectomy, the surgeon will use a handheld laser to remove excess gum tissue instead of a scalpel. One of the key benefits of this approach is that the laser also cauterizes, or seals, the gum tissue, reducing the need for stitches.
How Do I Prepare For a Gingivectomy Procedure?
If you have decided to have a gingivectomy, either for gum disease treatment or for cosmetic reasons, it helps to be prepared and know what to expect. Before your treatment, your dental provider will talk through the procedure with you. If you and your provider have agreed on sedation, plan in advance to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment. In general, the procedure will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete; however, it may be longer depending on how much tissue needs to be removed. Here is a general overview of what to expect during the procedure:
Step 1: Sedation and Anesthesia. Before starting the procedure, your surgeon will likely give you medication (sedation) to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb your gums.
Step 2: Removal of Excess Gum Tissue. Next, the surgeon will use either a scalpel or a laser to remove the excess, overgrown, or diseased gum tissue.
Step 3: Gum Reshaping. Once the gum tissue is removed, the surgeon will reshape the remaining gums to ensure they are proportionate to the teeth. If needed, the surgeon may also reshape underlying bone by making small incisions along the gum line.
Step 4: Stitches. Once the surgeon is satisfied with the appearance of the gums, they will close any incisions with stitches and clean the area. If a laser is used, this step may be skipped. They will likely also place a soft putty or dressing over the treated area to protect it. This dressing will either fall out on its own or be removed at a follow-up visit.
Related Article: Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?