Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure recommended by your dentist to treat gum disease or remove excess gum tissue (gingiva). In addition, gingivectomy is a popular cosmetic surgery used to correct a “gummy smile,” where extra gum tissue makes your teeth appear too small.
Your dentist may also 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.
Following the gingivectomy procedure, 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 past a few days, call your dentist’s office for assistance.
What Happens During Gingivectomy Surgery?
The most common methods of gingivectomy surgery involve a surgeon using a scalpel or laser:
- Traditional Gingivectomy. Using a scalpel, your dental surgeon will remove the affected gum tissue. Stitches are used to close incisions and slow bleeding.
- Laser Gingivectomy. Your dental surgeon will use a handheld laser device to remove gum tissue. The laser also cauterizes, or seals, the gum tissue, so you might not need stitches.
During a typical gingivectomy procedure, your dental surgeon will complete the following steps:
- Anesthesia. Your dental surgeon will inject the affected area in your mouth with a local anesthetic to numb your gums.
- Removal and Reshaping. Your dental surgeon will remove any excess or overgrown gum tissue. Then, the restructuring of the soft tissue will keep your gums in proportion to your teeth.
- Reshaping of Bones. If you need reshaping of the underlying bone in your jawbone, your dental surgeon will make minor incisions along your gumline and reshape your bone structure as needed.
- Stitches. Stitches help seal the incisions and control bleeding. This stage may not be necessary if you have a laser gingivectomy.
Typically, laser surgery has less blood loss, and less anesthesia is required. Laser surgery is considered easier and less painful, but it is usually more expensive. Also, your dentist must complete additional training to perform the procedure.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
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. If you have pain in your jaw after surgery, eat only soft foods for a few days to avoid further gum irritation. Pain and soreness should go away within about a week.
How Long is the Recovery After Gingivectomy Surgery?
Following post-operative instructions from your dentist is essential to a full recovery after a gingivectomy. Guidelines include maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding brushing directly on the surgical site in the first few days after your procedure, and regularly rinsing with mouthwash.
Additionally, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Get plenty of rest and reduce physical activity for the first few days after surgery to help the healing process. If needed, use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
Discuss both the traditional surgery with a scalpel and laser surgery with your dentist so you can make the best choice for your budget and treatment preference.