Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that removes gum tissue that affects the health of the teeth. Also known as gingival resection, this intervention is used for therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. Farklı zevkler mi tadmak istiyorsunuz? çekmeköy escort işte tam yerindesiniz.
Gingivectomy: What is it?
Gingivectomy procedure or gingival ablation consists of the excision of excess or inflamed gum tissue. It is a therapeutic method indicated in advanced forms of periodontitis or gingivitis. These conditions cause inflammation and destruction of the gums. Therefore, it is important to intervene therapeutically before the gum is seriously affected because an inflamed and damaged gum cannot support the tooth. As a result, teeth are lost.
During the procedure, a uniform contour of the gum is created. In this way, the aesthetic appearance is improved. Also, by removing the affected gingival portions, the remaining gum has the possibility of optimal healing.
When is gingivectomy necessary?
Gingivectomy is used to:
- therapeutic (in the case of conditions that affect the health of the gums);
- aesthetic (in people whose gums cover a large part of the surface of the teeth);
Gingivitis – method of treatment
The dentist can recommend gingivectomy in the following situations:
- very advanced gingivitis;
- periodontal diseases;
- gingival hyperplasia (caused by the presence of inflammation and infection at the gingival level);
- tartar in large quantities;
- dental infections;
- gum damage after wearing dental appliances;
- elimination of gingival pockets (where food and bacteria can accumulate);
- the formation of subgingival caries.
Gingivitis – an aesthetic procedure
Gingival ablation is also recommended for aesthetic purposes. Therefore, in the case of gingival hyperplasia (excessive gum growth), a gingivectomy may be an option. In addition, the surgical indication is performed only by the doctor. In addition, he often recommends surgery only if:
- the benefits of the intervention are significant;
- the risks of the procedure are reduced;
- the incidence of dental caries or other gum diseases decreases;
- the patient’s quality of life will be superior after surgery.
Among the benefits of opting for gingivectomy for aesthetic purposes are:
- appearance is improved;
- dental hygiene is easier;
- the risk of developing subgingival caries is lower.
Excessive growth of gums
Overgrowth of the gums consists of the arrangement of gum tissue on the surface or around the teeth. This can be determined by several causes, including:
- hereditary mechanisms (hereditary fibromatosis);
- inflammatory conditions;
- task;
- hormonal imbalance;
- vitamin deficiencies;
- diabetes;
- anemia;
- lymphoma;
- HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus);
- Crohn’s disease;
- some drugs (calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics, immunosuppressants);
- smoking;
- wearing dental appliances (causes gum damage);
- malocclusion (asymmetric overlapping of the lower and upper dental arches).
Gingival hyperplasia
The enlargement of the gingival surface characterizes gingival hyperplasia until the interdental spaces are completely occupied. Gingival hyperplasia is manifested by:
- erythema (reddening of the gums);
- bleeding gums;
- tooth sensitivity or pain;
- easier development of bacterial plaque;
- Helena (bad breath).
This condition can occur at any age. For example, in children, excessive gum growth can cause severe teething. Conversely, if it occurs in adults, they will face difficulties in achieving dental hygiene, with frequent bleeding gums and sensitivity to chewing.
Periodontal pockets
Periodontal pockets are spaces located between the tooth and the gum. These create areas where food can be deposited, leading to bacterial multiplication, plaque formation and the development of subgingival cavities.
Most often, they are formed as a result of the development of bacterial plaque, which causes the appearance of inflammation. Inflammatory processes occurring at the gingival level affect the adjacent gingival tissue and contribute to the removal of the gum from the tooth, with the formation of the periodontal pocket.
Untreated, periodontal pockets worsen, and the space between the tooth and the gum increases considerably. Moreover, over time it can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, the visit to the dentist needs to be done periodically or as soon as the symptoms appear. In this way, treatment is instituted from the early stages, and the rate of complications is considerably reduced.
Gingival infection
Mostly, gum infections develop as a result of poor hygiene. An ineffective cleaning of the teeth leads to the formation of bacterial plaque and generates an inflammatory process. Moreover, an inflamed gum is at a higher risk of developing an infection.
Moreover, studies have also shown that a number of systemic infections can cause excessive gum growth. Pathogens involved include:
- The HIV;
- Cytomegalovirus
How is a gingivectomy performed?
Gingivectomy involves going through several stages. These are:
- Descaling – is the first step performed by the dentist. Its role is to clean the dental surface of bacterial plaque and tartar. In this way, the affected areas of the gum are easily highlighted.
- Anesthesia – In most situations, local anesthesia is used to eliminate discomfort and pain during the procedure.
- Evaluation of periodontal pockets – In order to measure the depth of periodontal pockets, an instrument is inserted at the level of the pocket. This stage is important to determine how advanced the gum disease is. Based on the information obtained during this stage, the proportion of the gum excised is estimated.
- Excision of portions of the gum – The doctor makes small incisions in the gum to highlight inflamed areas and assess the tooth’s condition. The affected tissue and a small portion of healthy tissue are excised. This has a role in promoting healing and ensuring that the inflammation does not spread.
- Application of a local antiseptic – This cleans the area and has an antibacterial effect. In this way, the gum is protected against infection.
- Attaching a dressing – The dressing is placed over the incision to prevent food from entering and promote healing.
Laser gingivectomy
Laser gingivectomy is an acronym for a technique that uses light beams of different wavelengths. Moreover, lasers are used in dentistry based on the following:
- carbon dioxide (diode laser);
- neodymium;
- erbium
Most often, the diode-type laser is used. This has the advantage of generating heat during use, which allows coagulation to take place. In this way, gingival bleeding is reduced, and complications are lessened.
Other benefits of this procedure include:
- Reduced post-operative pain compared to the classic method;
- Recovery is faster;
- The formation of bacterial plaque is greatly reduced (after gingival excision with a scalpel, bacterial plaque and tartar form significantly faster).
Before and after gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is often recommended in case of periodontal pocket formation. So that after the procedure, the gum tissue that forms the pocket is removed, and the healthy part of the gum is attached to the tooth.
In addition, if it is used for aesthetic purposes after the surgical intervention, the following can be observed:
- The gum occupies a smaller portion of the tooth;
- The tooth appears to be larger;
- The aesthetic appearance is improved;
- The gummy smile disappears.
Recovery/healing after gingivectomy
Recovery after a gingivectomy is short-lived. The average time until the gum heals is about a week. Therefore, being performed in a minimally invasive way, hospitalization is not required.
In the first days, it is important to:
- Change the dressings regularly – This is done until the bleeding stops. In this way, the gum is protected, and healing is accelerated.
- Rinsing the oral cavity with salt water – Thus, bacterial multiplication is prevented, and the risk of infections decreases.
- Consumption of liquid or pureed food.
For pain control, the dentist can recommend some analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and optimal doses. They also help reduce local swelling. Moreover, Ice packs can also be applied to relieve swelling.
On the first day, brushing your teeth, using dental floss or rinsing your teeth with mouthwash is not advisable. Because, these actions prevent optimal clotting and delay healing.
Contraindications of gingivectomy
Above all, gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that is not recommended for every patient. Thus, among its contraindications are:
- the risk of complications is greater compared to the benefits;
- the bone is very developed (this can give the appearance of an unaesthetic gum);
- gingival growth is not significant;
- the impossibility of maintaining a normal physiological attachment zone of the gum to the tooth;
- affecting the aesthetic appearance (gingival excision in the frontal areas can give a very large appearance to the teeth).
The difference between gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty is a procedure in which healthy gingival tissue is remodeled for therapeutic or aesthetic purposes. However, it differs from gingivoplasty in that it does not involve inflamed or damaged tissue excision.
It is important to note that both procedures can be performed using the same techniques. Most of the time, both gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are performed in the same surgery. However, there are also situations when they can be performed separately.
Gingivoplasty is mainly recommended for people with:
- irregular gingival margins;
- the gums covering a large part of the tooth surface (causes the appearance of the gingival smile);
- dental work that requires gum remodeling to give an aesthetic appearance.
Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty – how much does it cost?
Regarding the price of these procedures, it is important to note that it differs depending on the area on which it is acted upon and its surface. For a personalized price, it is essential to contact the dentist, who can assess the severity of the condition and determine the scope of the work.
Gingivectomy is a procedure in which excess or inflamed gum tissue is excised. It is used to treat gum diseases in advanced stages but also to prevent the occurrence of subgingival caries. In addition, gingivectomy and gingivoplasty contribute to improving the aesthetic appearance.
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