Gum disease is a damaging dental problem that leads to gum recession, deep gum pockets, and chronic gum pain. Our offices can perform a gingivectomy for patients with moderate to severe gum disease. This treatment benefits patients with gum disease who do not respond to scaling, root planing, or other gum procedures. A gingivectomy in our Concord or Lexington, MA offices removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue. This treatment can reduce the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums.
Dr. Ancy Verdier, Dr. Mariam Khan, and Dr. Jennifer Chang Sullivan can provide additional gum treatment to new and existing patients in Concord or Lexington, MA. Whether you have the beginning stages of gum disease or require oral surgery, our team can help.
When Do You Need a Gingivectomy?
Gum disease is a progressive problem that begins with gum inflammation. Harmful bacteria that feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth can build on the gums. As gum disease progresses, you can experience gum recession and loose teeth.
Over time, gum inflammation and irritation create deep gum pockets. Plaque and tartar collect in these pockets, which worsens the infection. In addition to gum pockets, you can experience these symptoms if you develop moderate to severe gum disease:
- Chronic gum pain
- Bad breath
- Gum and tooth sensitivity
- Bleeding gums
It can be difficult to remove bacteria from these pockets yourself. Visiting the dentist for deep cleanings can help remove these bacteria. If that isn’t enough, you will need surgery to remove infected gum tissue. Removing this tissue will help heal the gums.
If gum disease is left untreated, you can experience tooth loss. The gums are essential to supporting your teeth. Once you lose support from your gums, you can lose your teeth. You may need a gingivectomy to treat these gum pockets and prevent tooth loss.
The Benefits of a Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy provides many benefits to patients with gum disease. This gum treatment can:
- Improve tooth and gum health
- Prevent bone loss
- Stop gum pain
- Reduce gum inflammation and swelling
A gingivectomy can help save your teeth. If you notice deep gum pockets and your gums pulling away from your teeth, consider a gingivectomy. We will work with you to determine if this or another gum treatment meets your needs.
Gingivectomy in Lexington, MA
We will provide an in-office examination to ensure you are a candidate for a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy may be a good fit for you if you have gum pockets, meaning your gums have pulled away from your teeth. We will also look for inflamed and diseased gum tissue.
Before the procedure begins, we completely numb the treated area using a local anesthetic. This ensures you will not feel any pain during treatment.
We make small incisions to remove diseased gum tissue carefully. After we remove the diseased tissue, we stitch the healthy gum tissue back into place. Then, we place a putty-like substance over the gums. This substance is designed to protect your gums as they heal.
A gingivectomy can take thirty to sixty minutes. After treatment, we place a surgical dressing to help protect your treated gums. This dressing will stay in place for a week after treatment.
Your gums will not grow back. We recommend gum grafting if you need healthy gum tissue after your gingivectomy. Grafting brings healthy gum tissue to areas of gum recession, and new gum tissue can also help protect the tooth roots.
Post-Op Gum Care
You should be able to resume your everyday activities shortly after your treatment. We will recommend bed rest during the first day. After 24 hours, you can begin some activities but minimize physical activity. You can begin exercise and other activities a couple of days after treatment.
You will feel some discomfort after your gingivectomy. This is normal, and we will provide you with pain medication to help as you heal. Treating inflamed and irritated gums will naturally lead to minor sensitivity and bleeding.
After the procedure, eat only soft foods and drink cool or slightly warm liquids while the putty is in place and your gums heal. Foods and drinks that are too hot or cold can increase gum sensitivity. If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek for fifteen minutes several times a day.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for at least 24 hours. Ensure that you sleep with your head elevated to help minimize swelling.
You can clean your teeth and gums after your treatment. At first, you should not brush or floss in the treated area. However, you can gently brush and floss the rest of the mouth. After a few weeks, the gums will heal completely. Then, after that time, you can resume brushing and flossing, though this should be done gently.
Once you are fully recovered, we may recommend using an antibacterial rinse to prevent reinfection. A non-alcohol mouthwash or rinse will help improve your gum health. Continue to visit our office every six months for a check-up and exam.
Can a Gingivectomy Treat a Gummy Smile?
Yes, this treatment can treat cosmetic problems like a gummy smile. A gummy smile is a smile with excessive gum tissue over the teeth, which can make the teeth seem smaller than they are.
Our dentist can contour the gum tissue with a gingivectomy to treat a gummy smile. This shows more of the natural tooth to create a balanced look. Treating excess gum tissue can help increase your confidence in your smile and motivate you to care for your oral health.
Renew Your Gum Health Today
Address gum disease and reverse painful symptoms with a gingivectomy in our Lexington and Concord, MA offices. Contact our Concord dental office for a visit today at 978.391.6081. You may also call our Lexington office for an appointment at 781.384.5892.
If you have gum disease but are unsure what treatment is right for you, contact our office. We will help you find the right treatment to meet your needs.