Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile, and more specifically, your gums? You are not alone! Many adults wish they could change the way their gums look, especially if they are oversized and “gummy.” The good news is that an easy and effective treatment procedure exists, called a gingivectomy, that can address the appearance of the gums and smile. Below is more information on the popular cosmetic dental treatment.
What is a Gummy Smile?
The tooth is made of two halves: the visible portion of the tooth, called the crown, and the part hidden below the gums, called the root. Commonly, the gums cover the tooth root and a few millimeters of the crown; however, some patients have excessive gum tissue that dominates the appearance of the smile. To correct a gummy smile, dental providers have several cosmetic treatment options, including a gingivectomy.
What is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a minimally invasive dental procedure where excess gum tissue is removed, and the gumline is refined to expose more of the dental crown. Today, lasers are becoming more and more popular and replacing the use of scalpels in gingivectomies. The popularity of lasers is due to their ability to retain the precision of traditional scalpel techniques while removing gum tissue and recontouring the gumline, while simultaneously cauterizing the treated area, which keeps the procedure cleaner, reducing bleeding and discomfort, promotes effective and quicker healing, and leads to better results. The cauterizing process also reduces the need for bandages and post-treatment stitches.
What Conditions Does a Gingivectomy Treat?
Gingivectomies are commonly used to address a range of gum problems and dental issues. The most common issues addressed by the treatment procedure include the following:
- Aesthetic Improvements: Gingivectomies are often used to remove extra gum tissue in cases of excessively gummy smiles. What many people do not realize is that the procedure is often performed on just a few teeth, resulting in a big change in the appearance of the smile. Most cosmetic gingivectomies are performed on the top front teeth, which are the most visible teeth when you smile.
- Crown and Bridge Preparation: Some dental prostheses require a substantial amount of tooth surface to create a secure bond with the tooth. If you need to have a crown or a crown-supported bridge placed, it may require a gingivectomy to remove excessive gum tissue, allowing room for the prosthetic to be installed.
- Treatment of Periodontitis: Periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, is another common reason to have a gingivectomy. The condition creates loose pockets between the teeth and gums that allow bacteria to accumulate, making it difficult to address and minimize gum disease.
Today, laser-assisted gingivectomies are one of the most effective and relatively pain-free approaches to removing gum tissue and contouring the shape of the gums. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your gums, you should schedule a visit to your dental provider to discuss your cosmetic treatment options. You may be surprised to find out that a quick and easy gingivectomy is just the procedure you have been looking for.
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