Factors in your dental health that may necessitate a gingivectomy include inflamed gums, gum disease (periodontal disease), or cosmetic reasons. Also known as crown lengthening, a gingivectomy involves removing gum tissue, or gingiva, to treat gum disease. Having such a procedure can prevent further damage due to gum disease and will also make it easier for you to clean your teeth.
Your dentist may recommend a gingivectomy under any of the following circumstances.
- Gingivitis, which occurs when bacteria, called plaque, build up on your teeth over time and cause infection.
- Pockets have formed between your gums and teeth, which can be a result of gingivitis, irritating your gums even more because harmful bacteria accumulate in the pockets.
- Periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease involving bone loss in your jaw, can be the result if gingivitis is left untreated.
- Aging is also a consideration. Gum recession and potentially more serious periodontal disease affect an estimated half of people over age 30.
Alternatively, if you are seeking to improve the appearance of your teeth because you have excess or overgrown gums, sometimes called a “gummy smile,” discuss a gingivectomy with your dentist as a possible solution.
What Happens During Gingivectomy Surgery?
The most common methods of gingivectomy surgery involve a surgeon using a scalpel or laser:
- Scalpel incisions can sometimes produce a greater amount of blood, but they usually heal quickly. Local anesthesia is necessary, and stitches are used to close incisions and slow bleeding.
- Laser surgery involves the use of a handheld laser device. The procedure is considered easier; it requires less time, and stitches may not be necessary. Typically, laser surgery has less blood loss, and less anesthesia is required.
Pain after laser gingivectomy surgery is usually less than conventional gingivectomy with a scalpel. This is likely because heat in the laser procedure dulls pain receptors, and the coagulation process makes the wound dry quickly, so it is less likely to become infected.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
Following your gingivectomy, you may have bleeding or swelling. Use icepacks and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to ease swelling and minor pain. If your dentist has sent you home with bandages or dressings, change them as instructed. For excessive bleeding that continues beyond a couple of days, call your dentist’s office for assistance.
If you have pain in your jaw, eat only soft foods for a few days to avoid further gum irritation. Pain and soreness should go away within about a week. After your surgery, do not smoke, and continue to carefully brush and floss your teeth each day.
When Should I See My Dentist?
Talk to your dentist during your regular six-month care visits if you have questions about gingivectomy, or if you think you might be a candidate for the procedure. The most important benefit of a gingivectomy is that it will improve your overall dental health. Your dentist will discuss any potential issues with you and recommend steps to help prevent gum disease.