GINGIVECTOMY AND GINGIVOPLASTY

Gum disease can cause your gums to bleed and become infected, swollen or tender. As a result, the infected gum starts to separate from the teeth and a pocket develops. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the bone and cause bone loss. Furthermore, this infection can not only result in losing your teeth, but can also spread to the rest of your body. Periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, premature births and a slew of other systemic health problems. Sometimes, deep cleanings and antimicrobial treatment is not enough. More treatment is needed for periodontal health.

Gingivectomy is done when the gums are overgrown around the teeth due to plaque or medication. The infection doesn’t reach to the bone and only in the gum area. We numb you up the same way you would get a filling. The excess tissue is removed, teeth are cleaned and the pocket is removed. You go to work the same day! Minimal discomfort and swelling occurs.

While most procedures are done with just local anesthetics, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and sedation is always available for anxious patients. All procedures are done by our board certified periodontist. Our dentist in our state of the art facility always uses the most advanced technology including instaneous, comfortable digital X-rays. Each treatment room is equipped with high definition flat screen televisions and with WiFi accessibility to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Gingivoplasty often is done simply to make gums look better. They may have an unusual shape or may not be formed normally. The causes can include a person’s genes, disease or trauma. Gingivoplasty reshapes the gums to make them look more natural. It often is done alone, but can be done during or after a gingivectomy. Gingivoplasty also can be done along with a gum graft. This type of surgery adds tissue to the gum line.

Both of these procedures usually are done with scalpels. They also can be done with electro surgery or laser units. Your periodontist might use special tools that were designed for gingivectomy. They have angled blades to help them get around teeth.

Before either procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic shot to numb your gums. A gingivectomy can take from a few minutes to more than an hour. The length of time depends on how much tissue is being removed. Gingivoplasty is typically done in a couple of minutes.

Call us now (516) 348-8500 it will be our pleasure to answer any questions or concerns.