Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
While the majority of individuals who do not like the appearance of their smile are unhappy with the alignment of their teeth, gum tissue can also create a problem for many, as they feel they either have too much or not enough gum on show when smiling.
What is The Difference Between Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty?
Both of these procedures are carried out by a periodontist who specialises in treating gums, but there is a key difference between the two.
A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissues – which is also known as gingiva – while a gingivoplasty is the reshaping of the area around teeth, which is often carried out on individuals who feel they have an excessive gum-to-tooth ratio.
Gingivectomy:
Originally developed to treat gum disease, this course of action is now used more commonly as a cosmetic procedure.
Patients who seek this treatment usually do so for one of two reasons:
- Gaps or pockets have formed between the teeth and gums, which could trap food particles or collect bacteria and make it extremely difficult to clean. In instances when the pockets only involve soft tissue, these spaces can be removed by simply trimming the tissue.
- There is too much gum tissue for the teeth, which – aside from cosmetic reasons – can make it harder to maintain oral health. At its worst, this issue may interfere with the way a person eats or talks. Overgrowth in the gum tissue can also be caused by certain anti-seizure medications.
Gingivoplasty:
The act of reshaping the area through gingivoplasty can help to make gums appear more natural and can be used to correct asymmetrical gums, those that are badly formed, when they have been affected by gum disease or malformed due to genetic problems, as well as treating individuals who have sustained dental trauma.
How Can I Prepare For These Procedures?
Before either treatment is carried out, our periodontist will discuss the process with each patient, as well as enquire about their oral hygiene routine. Initially patients usually receive a thorough mouth cleaning in order to remove plaque or calculus.
How Are The Procedures Performed?
Local anaesthetic is given first. Both procedures are usually administered using a scalpel or a soft tissue laser is used.
How Should These Procedures Be Followed Up?
Following the operation, a periodontal dressing will be placed on the gum tissue and is left in place for between one and two weeks. During this period, individuals are advised to consume a soft diet and avoid spicy foods, while also abstaining crunchy items. Some dentists prescribe some pain medications and chlorhexidine mouth rinse.
It is vital for those that have undergone either procedure to keep their mouth clean, but they should avoid brushing their teeth in the surgical area while the dressing is still in place.
Pearl Dental Clinic is open 7 days a week from 9am to 10pm. You can book an appointment by calling us on 0208 547 9997 or emailing us or by booking an appointment online (24 hours).