Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue, or gingiva, either to treat dental conditions such as gingivitis, the first phase of gum disease, or to modify a person’s smile for cosmetic reasons by removing excess gum tissue.
Your out-of-pocket cost for a gingivectomy will typically range from $200 to $400 per tooth, which will vary depending on the amount of surgery completed and the number of sessions required. Some dentists may charge less for multiple teeth, usually up to three, in a single surgery session.
If you have dental insurance, a gingivectomy is likely covered by your plan if the procedure is for the treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease) or a mouth injury. Insurance typically does not cover a gingivectomy for cosmetic reasons.
How Do I Know if I Need a Gingivectomy?
Your dentist may recommend a gingivectomy if you have gum recession brought on through normal aging, gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, or an injury in your mouth that is affecting your gums.
Gum disease typically results in open pockets around your teeth, which can lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria, called plaque, or hardened plaque, known as calculus or tartar. If your diagnosis is gum disease, your dentist may recommend a gingivectomy to prevent further damage to your gum tissue and to the underlying bone in your jaw.
What Should I Expect During the Gingivectomy Procedure?
Typically, a gingivectomy lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much gum tissue your dentist removes. A minor procedure on a single tooth will probably require just one session. You may need several visits for major gum removal or reshaping because your dentist will probably wait for one area to heal before moving on to the next.
The gingivectomy procedure will begin with your dentist injecting a local anesthetic into the affected area to numb your gums. Using a scalpel or laser, your dentist will make incisions into your soft tissue and remove pieces of your gums or shape your gumline. Stitches are used to close scalpel incisions and slow bleeding. Since the laser procedure also cauterizes, or seals, the gum tissue, you may not need stitches.
Your dentist will finish the procedure by applying a soft, putty-like substance and bandages on your gums to protect them while they heal.
What is the Best Procedure, Traditional Scalpel or Laser?
Gingivectomy by laser has become quite common thanks to advances in laser technology that have made tools cheaper and easier to use. Lasers are also more precise, allow for faster healing due to cauterization of the gums, and have a lower risk of infection.
However, laser procedures are typically more expensive than traditional surgery with a scalpel. Also, laser surgery requires more training. If your dentist is not fully trained or does not have the proper equipment, he or she will offer a scalpel gingivectomy.
Some dental insurance plans may not cover laser procedures, so a scalpel gingivectomy may be more cost-effective. Check with your insurance provider ahead of time so that you fully understand your benefits related to a gingivectomy.
Gingivectomy for Improved Dental Health
Gingivectomy provides several benefits to your overall oral health beyond helping you maintain clean teeth and healthy gums. The procedure can reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, decrease periodontal pockets around your teeth, and make brushing and flossing more effective because you will be able to clean problem areas in your mouth.
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. Your dentist will discuss treatment, recovery, and cost with you and recommend next steps.