According to the American Dental Association nearly 47.2 percent of Americans over 30 have some form of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Without preventing gum disease, or taking proper care once diagnosed, patients who have a form of gum disease will likely eventually lose their teeth. A gingivectomy may be performed to heal the effects of periodontal disease or to correct a gum condition involving the structures around the teeth. It is one of a few procedures that can help reverse periodontal issues. Below you can find more about the procedure, how it is done and if it may be a possible treatment option to return your smile and gums to tip-top shape.

What is periodontal disease and how does it develop?

  Before explaining more about the procedure, we would like to walk you through the reasons you may require gingivectomy. Periodontal disease begins with bacteria present in the mouth attaching to the teeth.  The bacteria collect and multiply, forming a biofilm called plaque. If plaque is left on the teeth, the adjacent gingival tissues can become inflamed, resulting in the development of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing with a toothpaste that fights bacteria can help prevent gingivitis. Plaque and food debris are removed by oral hygiene practices and clean the surface of the teeth and eliminate bacterial plaque at the gum line of the teeth. However, if plaque and food debris are not removed and oral hygiene practices are not maintained, then gingivitis will get worse and the gum tissue can become more inflamed, bleeding can occur, the area between the tooth and gum tissue can become deepened to form a periodontal pocket and periodontal disease can develop.
  A periodontal pocket develops as the plaque bacteria continues to accumulate and moves below the gum line. At this point, home care is not effective enough in removing the dental plaque. If it is left untreated the biofilm will continue to spread below the gum line and infect the inside of the pocket. This type of advanced periodontal disease can affect the roots of the teeth and they can become infected, too. The teeth may become loose or uncomfortable and the patient will require gum surgery. At this point, your dental professional may advise that you need a gingivectomy.

And now more about the procedure itself. We preform laser gum surgery that does not require stitches which is less invasive than the traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy is always nearly pain-free procedure, but we do use local anesthesia to keep out patients comfortable. Gingivectomy can also be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as gummy smile.  

  If you have more questions regarding laser gum treatment, please do not hesitate to call our office.