According to the American Dental Association, about 47.2 percent of Americans aged over 30 are suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or widely known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support and hold the teeth in place. When gum disease has become too advanced that it cannot be dealt with scaling and root planing, another treatment option may be performed to treat this condition—Gingivectomy. This is performed to heal the effects of gum disease or correct a gum condition that involves the structures around the teeth. Gingivectomy is one of the few treatments that can counter the adverse effects of gum disease.

What is a gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a procedure of totally removing a portion of gingiva or gum from in and around the teeth. It is done to treat gum disease or to lengthen the height or width of a tooth or a section of teeth.

Who is the right candidate for a gingivectomy procedure?

People diagnosed with gingivitis are ideal candidates for gingivectomy. This condition is characterized by the formation of plaque-causing bacteria. Over time, unremoved plaque hardens, turning into tartar or calculus. The gum then becomes inflamed, and a loose connection around the tooth occurs. Once it has become advanced, calculus can no longer be removed by brushing and flossing, which often results in the occurrence of bleeding. Gingivectomy is recommended if the condition does not improve even after scaling and root planing procedure.

Gingivectomy can also be recommended for people suffering from periodontitis. Periodontitis is caused by a bacterial infection that causes gum inflammation, leading to tooth loss and damage to the underlying bone structure if not treated. Sometimes, the gums can become extremely infected that they can’t be treated with antibiotic treatment alone.

How is gingivectomy performed?

Surgeries are often done using surgical scalpels. However, there can be instances wherein a low-frequency laser is utilized instead during the procedure. Gingivectomy is done by trimming down and removing the diseased tissue, leaving the remaining gums to be reattached in and around the teeth by sutures. Then the area is cleaned with saline and special rinses.

If you need to undergo gingivectomy, you won’t have to worry about feeling any discomfort since local anesthetic and other sedation options will be offered to you by our expert team here at Flex Dental to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

Once the procedure is done, a surgical dressing, or pack, will then be placed in and around the teeth and gums. This dressing will remain in place for about a week. Also, rinsing the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash is recommended, as it can help in the healing process.

Planning to avail of Gingivectomy? Check out our services under Gum Disease Treatment in Tampa, FL. Contact us at Flex Dental to book an appointment. We are located at 310 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite #120, Tampa, FL 33609.