Gum tissue, or gingiva, is surgically removed during a gingivectomy.
Gingivitis and other disorders can be treated with gingivectomy.
Additionally, it is utilized to modify smiles by removing excess gum tissue for aesthetic purposes.
Continue reading to find out more about the procedure’s steps, potential costs, and post-procedure care.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ A gingivectomy is a low-cost, low-risk treatment.
✅ Recovery happens quickly, and the result is frequently favorable.
✅ Gingivectomy is often covered by most insurance policies.
✅ Post Gingivectomy, any discomfort will go away after approximately a week.
Who should consider having a gingivectomy?
If you experience gum recession brought on by any of the following conditions: age; gum illnesses including gingivitis; bacterial infections; or gum injuries, a dentist may advise gingivectomy.
Gum surgery for gum disease
A dentist may advise this operation if you have gum disease in order to stop further gum damage and to make it simpler for them to clean your teeth. Openings at the base of the teeth are frequently produced by gum disease. Plaque and germs can accumulate because of these holes as can tartar or calculus, which is a hardened plaque.
These accumulations can then result in more harm. Additionally, if gum disease or infection is found during a checkup or cleaning and your dentist wants to stop its progression, they may advise this operation.
Optional gingivectomy
Cosmetic gingivectomy is completely optional. Many dentists will not advise it unless the dangers are minimal or if they are experienced in cosmetic dentistry. Before undergoing this treatment, consult a dentist to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of an elective gingivectomy.
What to anticipate throughout the treatment
Depending on how much gum tissue your dentist removes, a gingivectomy might take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Minor operations involving one or more teeth may likely only require one appointment. Major gum contouring or removal may need numerous visits, particularly if your dentist wishes to wait until one area has healed before moving on to the next.
This is how the process goes:
- To numb the area, your dentist injects local anesthetic into the gums.
- To remove sections of gum tissue, your dentist uses a scalpel or a laser device. A soft tissue incision is what this is.
- To get rid of extra saliva, the dentist will probably retain a suction tool in your mouth throughout the process.
- Your dentist will probably use a laser tool to vaporize any remaining tissue and sculpt the gumline after the tissue has been removed.
- To protect your gums while they heal, your dentist applies a soft putty-like substance and bandages to the area.
How do surgeries using a scalpel and a laser compare?
Due to ongoing advancements in laser technology, laser gingivectomies are becoming more and more popular. Due to the heat generated by the laser, lasers are also more accurate, enable quicker healing and cauterization, and reduce the danger of infection from contaminated metal equipment.
Because laser operations are more expensive and complicated than scalpel procedures, your dentist can suggest a scalpel gingivectomy if they lack the necessary skills or equipment.
A scalpel gingivectomy might be more affordable if you have health insurance because your plan might not cover laser procedures. Before arranging a gingivectomy, it’s a good idea to call your insurance company to learn more about your benefits.
How does recovery go?
Gingivectomy recovery is often quick. Here is what to anticipate.
The initial hours
You ought to be allowed to return home immediately. You can typically drive yourself home because your dentist will most likely simply use a local anesthetic. Even while you might not experience pain right away, it could become more intense or persistent when the numbing wears off a few hours after the treatment. The pain may be reduced by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
For a few days, your gums may probably bleed as well. Until the bleeding stops or until your dentist says you can expose your gums again, change any bandages or dressings.
Before sending you home, your dentist or a dental assistant should instruct you on how to change your bandages or dressings. Call their office to ask for instructions if they didn’t explain it or if you have questions regarding the directions.
The upcoming days
Your jaw may be hurting. To avoid irritating or harming your gums as they heal, your dentist probably advises you to only eat soft foods. To relieve any discomfort or irritability that moves into your mouth, try putting a cool compress on your cheeks.
To maintain the region free of bacteria or other irritating materials, use a warm saltwater rinse or saline solution. Avoid using mouthwash or other antiseptic liquids. Antibiotics may also be required to prevent gum infections.
Long-term
Any discomfort will go away after approximately a week. To ensure that the area is healed properly and that you may resume a normal diet, visit your dentist once more. Last but not least, look after your teeth. Reduce your intake of foods high in sugar, avoid smoking, and brush and floss twice daily.
When should I go to visit the dentist?
Immediately consult a dentist if you experience persistent bleeding, severe discomfort that doesn’t subside with time or at-home care, unusual pus or discharge, or fever.
What is the price of a gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy expenses might cost between $200 and $400 for each tooth. For numerous teeth — typically up to three — completed in a single appointment, some dentists may charge less.
If you have insurance, the treatment of periodontal disease or a mouth injury with a gingivectomy is often covered by your policy. The price may change based on how much work is done and how many sessions are required to finish it.
If it’s done for elective cosmetic purposes, your insurance probably won’t pay for it.
Gingivoplasty and gingivectomy comparison. Gum tissue is removed during a gingivectomy. Gingivoplasty involves altering the gums to change the way they look or perform certain tasks, such as preventing cavities or enhancing chewing.
In order to restore tooth and gum function, gingivoplasty—a less common kind of gum disease treatment—may be performed if your gums are harmed by a hereditary disorder or as part of other dental operations, particularly when your teeth and gums deteriorate over time.
In conclusion
A gingivectomy is a low-cost, low-risk treatment that can be used to treat diseased gum tissue or to alter the way your smile looks. Recovery happens quickly, and the result is frequently favorable.