Understanding Gingivectomy

Around 47.2 percent of Americans over 30 years of age suffer from periodontal disease according to the American Dental Association. Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection found in the tissues lining the gumline. When periodontal disease progresses and cannot be treated with the regular mode of treatments - scaling and root planing, another mode of treatment is administered – Gingivectomy. It helps heal gum disease or correct the effects of the gum condition in the structure surrounding the teeth. Gingivectomy is one of the few remedies to treat the effects of gum disease.

What is Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a form of treatment that involves extracting a part of your gum from in and around your teeth to treat periodontal disease. It is also used as a treatment to increase the height, length, or width of an individual’s tooth or a portion of the tooth.

Who can get a Gingivectomy?

Any individual who has been diagnosed with gingivitis can get a gingivectomy in Los Angeles can get a gingivectomy. It is a treatment for individuals with periodontal disease. Over time, unremoved plaque hardens and turns into something known as tartar or calculus. It causes the gums to swell up and loosens the teeth from their position. After a point, tartar cannot be removed by the simple act of brushing or flossing and can result in unexplained bleeding in the gums and teeth. Gingivectomy is a treatment that is recommended when root planing and scaling do not work to treat gum disease.

Gingivectomy is also a recommended treatment for individuals with periodontitis. It is a bacterial infection that causes the gums to swell and eventually lead to tooth loss and structural damage to the bone in your jawline if not treated on time. Sometimes, the infection in the gums can be treated with a course of antibiotics alone.

What is the procedure for a gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a surgery that is often performed using surgical scalpels. However, sometimes, a laser with low frequency is also utilized instead of the scalpels during the surgery. The surgery involves cleaning, trimming, and removing the infected tissue. The remaining gums are reattached to the teeth with the help of sutures. The wound is then cleaned with the help of saline solution and special rinses.

If a periodontist in Los Angeles has recommended that you receive a gingivectomy, don’t worry about the procedure being uncomfortable. The dentist will administer your local anesthesia first. Other sedation options will also be discussed – your dentist and you can conclude the best option that suits you. Visit a periodontist near you for more information.

After the gingivectomy surgery, the periodontist will place a surgical dressing or a surgical pack on the area surrounding the teeth and gums. The dressing will have to be in place for a week while your teeth and gums heal. The dentist will also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to clean and rinse your mouth while you heal from the surgery.

There is no guarantee that you can prevent the disease completely, but you can surely take the necessary steps to avoid developing periodontal disease. Follow good dental hygiene, brush at least twice every day, floss regularly, and follow a well-maintained diet and a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to go for regular dental check-ups, so your dentist can catch any symptoms early on. Prevention is better than cure.

Now that you’ve understood the gist of gingivectomy, you should plan a visit to your dentist to have any of your queries answered. For more information on gingivectomy near you, check out the services provided at a dental clinic near you. Book an appointment today!