What is Gingivectomy
A healthy mouth is an indicator of not only a beautiful smile, but also the overall functioning of our body. Therefore, protecting oral and dental health is of vital importance for general health.
Gum diseases are one of the most common problems that threaten oral health. Although symptoms such as bleeding, swelling and sensitivity in the gums are often ignored, these can lead to tooth loss and more serious health problems in the future. If gum diseases are left untreated, infections in the mouth can have negative effects on the immune system and pave the way for systemic diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes.
At this point, various treatment methods come into play to maintain gum health or regain lost health. Gingivectomy stands out as one of these methods and is considered an effective surgical intervention in the treatment of gum diseases. It is the process of surgically shaping or removing part of the gums, especially those damaged due to periodontal diseases. It enables patients to have a healthy mouth structure, both aesthetically and functionally.
What is Gingivectomy?
It is a treatment method in which the gums are shaped by a surgical procedure or removed when necessary. This procedure stands out as an effective solution, especially in cases of advanced gum disease. Gum diseases may begin with inflammation caused by plaque accumulation around the teeth, and if not treated in time, can lead to gum recession, tooth loss and serious oral health problems.
The main purpose of surgically removing or shaping the gums is to remove infected tissues around the teeth and facilitate access to the root surface of the teeth. In this way, it is possible to ensure oral hygiene, make dental cleaning more effective and prevent the recurrence of inflammation.
This process also offers an aesthetic benefit. Shaping the gums can significantly improve the aesthetics of the smile. Gingivectomy helps provide a more balanced and pleasant smile, especially in individuals with aesthetic problems known as “gum smile” due to excess gums.
Why is Gingivectomy Done?
There are different reasons that require gingivectomy;
Gum Diseases
Gum diseases manifest themselves with symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and bleeding in the gums. Gum pockets form in advanced gum diseases such as periodontitis. These pockets create an environment suitable for the accumulation of bacteria. Gingivectomy allows us to eliminate these pockets.
Gum Shaping
In some individuals, gums may appear larger than normal. This condition is often called “gummy smile”. With gingivectomy, the gums are shaped and a more aesthetic appearance is achieved.
Prosthesis and Filling Preparation
In some cases, the gum level needs to be made suitable for dentures or fillings. Gingivectomy allows us to shape the gums before such procedures.
Gum Overgrowth (Hyperplasia)
Gum enlargement may occur as a side effect of some medications. This situation may cause deterioration of oral hygiene as well as aesthetic problems. Gingivectomy is performed to correct this growth.
How to Perform Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is a careful step-by-step adventure to restore gum health. It all starts with a detailed cleaning of the patient’s teeth and a meticulous evaluation of the gum condition; In this process, the dentist uses modern technologies such as x-rays to see all the details around the teeth. Then, local anesthesia is applied to ensure that the patient has a comfortable procedure, making the entire process painless. During the procedure, gum pockets are reduced or excess gums are carefully removed with the help of surgical instruments or laser.
The use of laser provides more precise work and accelerates the healing process. Any slight bleeding that may occur during this process is immediately controlled using special tools. When the procedure is completed, the gums are covered with a special dressing; This is an important step to support the healing process and protect the gums against external factors. Gingivectomy is a treatment that restores both oral health and aesthetic appearance thanks to these professional and careful steps.
What Should We Pay Attention to After Gingivectomy?
A careful and attentive approach is essential for a successful recovery process after gingivectomy. First of all, you should pay more attention to oral hygiene than ever before, brush your teeth gently as recommended by your dentist, and not neglect the use of dental floss. During this period, avoiding hard and hot foods and consuming soft, warm foods supports the healing process and reduces any discomfort that may occur in the treated area.
If you feel pain or sensitivity, you can easily control this situation by using painkillers recommended by your doctor. In addition, it is very important to go to your dentist regularly for check-ups, both to make sure that the healing is progressing correctly and to make the necessary interventions in a timely manner. These simple but effective steps will help you go through the post-gingivectomy process both easier and faster.
Who Should Have Gingivectomy?
It is a treatment generally recommended in the advanced stages of gum diseases, when the gum pockets become deeper and plaque and tartar accumulation becomes difficult to clean. It may be an ideal solution for individuals who suffer from conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis, thus experiencing swelling, bleeding or sensitivity in their gums.
In addition, in cases where excess gum tissue causes aesthetic concerns, for example, people with problems such as “gummy smile” can also apply for this method. Additionally, this procedure is recommended for patients whose gums need to be adjusted during orthodontic treatment or prosthetic dental applications. It offers an effective option for individuals who want to improve both oral health and aesthetic appearance.
Gingivectomy Prices
It may vary depending on the scope of the procedure, the technology used, the number of teeth to be treated and the location of the clinic performing the procedure. The use of more modern methods such as laser technology may be among the factors affecting the cost of treatment.
Additionally, whether the procedure is performed solely for aesthetic purposes or for a health-oriented treatment also plays a role in pricing. Before the procedure, the patient’s gum condition should be evaluated in detail and a treatment plan tailored to the needs should be prepared in line with this evaluation. During this process, it is recommended that you consult a specialist dentist to get accurate information and create a plan that fits your budget.
