Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of the gum tissue. It is performed under local anaesthetic and is usually uncomplicated.

Recent techniques make it possible to perform minor gingivectomies using a soft-tissue laser, resulting in even less discomfort and post-operative complications for the patient.

There are three main applications for gingivectomy:

• Aesthetic application: gingivectomy removes part of the gum around one or more teeth to harmonize the shape of the gum and improve the appearance of the smile;
• Treatment of gingival hyperplasia: When the gingiva becomes unusually enlarged, to the extent that part or all of a dental crown is hidden, a gingivectomy is recommended to reduce the excess gingiva. If the situation remains as it is, the patient is at high risk of developing periodontitis. Gingival overgrowth can be caused by medications known to cause gingival overgrowth, such as those used to treat epilepsy and hypertension;
• Periodontal treatment: As part of periodontal treatment, gingivectomy involves cutting away excess gingiva not attached to a tooth, in order to reduce the depth of a periodontal pocket that has formed as a result of gum disease. This procedure allows for cleaning (known as “surfacing”) and facilitates the patient’s dental hygiene.

• More aesthetic smile;
• Improved conditions for daily cleaning, as gingivectomy eliminates excess gingiva, a breeding ground for bacteria;
• Improved oral health.

• If the periodontal pockets to be treated are very deep, the procedure may be aesthetically detrimental. In this case, a gingivoplasty is performed after the gingivectomy to restore a uniform, even appearance to the gums;
• Slight discomfort may be experienced following the operation, and the treated teeth may be more sensitive than usual. This condition is temporary, however, and normally resolves within a few days.

• First of all, a thorough cleaning is performed to remove any residual plaque and tartar, thereby avoiding the possibility of contamination;
• An anaesthetic gel is applied to the area to be treated;
• Gingivectomy is performed using a scalpel or soft-tissue laser. On average, the operation takes just a few minutes;
• A dressing is applied to the wound.

Please note that these recommendations are provided for information only, and that the best recommendations are those of your dentist or specialist who performed the surgery.

Here is a list of the most common recommendations made by practitioners:

• It’s important to store the dressing for between one week and 10 days;
• Maintain good oral hygiene to promote the healing process. Brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area, until the dressing falls off on its own. Once the bandage has come off, brush the surgical site very gently;
• Avoid hot, spicy or vinegary foods until the wound has completely healed.

The cost of the procedure varies according to the size of the surface to be treated.

If the tissues of the mouth are inflamed or bleed easily, it’s best to remedy the inflammation first, before proceeding with surgery.

None.