A gingivectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure where excess gum tissue is removed. The procedure is commonly used by dental professionals to treat gum disease. A gingivectomy can also be used for cosmetic purposes to help patients who have a gummy smile. This occurs when there is extra gum tissue that makes the teeth appear smaller than normal. Below are details regarding a gingivectomy such as an outline of the procedure, recovery timeline, and expected pain associated with the procedure.
Gingivectomy Procedure
A high-level summary of a gingivectomy procedure is outlined below:
- Anesthesia: the surgeon or dental professional will numb the gums with a local anesthetic to ensure patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Patients who are especially nervous or anxious may also receive sedation.
- Gum Tissue Removal: Excess or overgrown gum tissue is then removed.
- Gum Reshaping: The gums will then be reshaped to achieve the desired appearance and ensure the gums are proportionate to the teeth.
- Bone Reshaping: In some cases, the underlying bone may also need to be modified.
- Sutures: Sutures are often used to seal the wound and minimize bleeding. If a laser is used for the procedure, this may not be necessary.
Pain
It is common for patients to be concerned about the expected pain associated with a gingivectomy. Fortunately, patients should not feel any pain during the procedure as they are given a local anesthetic. Following the procedure, the gums will be sore for a few days. Any post-procedure pain can typically be managed with an over-the-counter medication.
Procedure Duration
In most cases, a gingivectomy will take about 30 minutes to an hour. The duration of the procedure will vary based on the amount of gum tissue which requires removal and the number of teeth which are receiving treatment.
Post-Procedure
Because a gingivectomy is an outpatient procedure, patients can go home the same day the procedure is completed. The team will provide patients with specific instructions to follow to ensure the gums heal properly and to minimize the risk of complications.
Recovery
There are various factors which can impact the recovery time for a gingivectomy. This may include things such as the patient’s health, amount of gum tissue which requires removal, number of teeth which need treatment, and the patient’s ability to follow aftercare instructions.
During the initial phase of healing, patients may feel some discomfort and experience bleeding. This period typically lasts a week or two. To ensure the gums heal properly, patients should consume soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods and drinks. These things can damage the gums and disrupt the healing process.
It may take up to eight weeks for a patient to fully recover from a gingivectomy. Patients should not use tobacco products during their recovery as this can have a negative impact on the body’s ability to heal and fight off infection. It is also critical for patients to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Patients will have a follow-up appointment for the dental professional to evaluate how the gums are healing.
It is imperative for patients to closely follow the aftercare instructions to ensure they recover quickly from the procedure and to prevent complications. Patients who experience severe pain or bleeding which does not improve after a few days should follow up with their dental professional. There may be an infection or another issue which requires treatment.
Contact the office today to discuss if you may be a good candidate for a gingivectomy. The team can also discuss questions you may have regarding the procedure, pain, recovery, and general expectations.