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Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy: Guide to Restoring Gum Health and Aesthetics
At Jasbir Dental Specialist Melaka, we offer gingivectomy, a dental procedure that involves the removal of excess gum tissue to improve oral health and aesthetics. It is commonly used to treat gum disease, particularly in cases of gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), where excess gum tissue can create pockets that trap bacteria, leading to further oral health issues.

Gingivectomy can also be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as reducing a “gummy smile” (when excess gum tissue makes your teeth look short or “boxy”) to enhance the appearance of teeth.

Located in the heart of Melaka, our clinic is dedicated to providing top-quality care for our local community, ensuring that your gums and teeth are in the best possible condition.

Types of Gingivectomy

There are two main types of gingivectomy:
Traditional gingivectomy
A dental surgeon uses a scalpel to remove excess gum tissue. In some cases, they may need to remove a small amount of underlying bone. They may use stitches to close any incisions and slow bleeding.
Laser gingivectomy
A dental surgeon uses a handheld laser to remove excess gum tissue. Since lasers also cauterize (seal) gum tissue, you may not need stitches.

Why Choose Gingivectomy at Jasbir Dental Specialist Melaka?

At Jasbir Dental Specialist Melaka, we use the latest dental technologies to provide quality, comfort, and efficiency in our treatment. Our clinic does gingivectomy using technology such as a dental laser and digital X-rays. Whether you need this procedure for health reasons or to enhance your smile, we are committed to delivering results that meet your needs and expectations.

How the Procedure Works

Here are the steps you can expect during a gingivectomy procedure:
Before getting started, your dental surgeon will give you local anesthesia to numb your gums. (If you opt for sedation, they’ll also give you specific medications to help you relax.)

Using a scalpel or laser, your dental surgeon will remove any excess or overgrown gum tissue.

Once your dental surgeon removes the excess gum tissue, they’ll reshape your remaining gums. This ensures that your gums are proportionate to your teeth.

In some instances, your dental surgeon may need to reshape the underlying bone. To do this, they’ll need to make small incisions along your gum line.

Your dental surgeon will use stitches to close the incisions and slow bleeding. (If you’re having laser gingivectomy, they may skip this step.)

Your dental surgeon may place a soft putty over the surgical area to protect it. This dressing usually falls out on its own. If it doesn’t, your surgeon will remove it at your first follow-up appointment.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery. Patients may experience mild discomfort, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions, which usually include sticking to a soft diet, avoiding hot or spicy foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle rinsing and brushing. Full recovery typically occurs within a few weeks, during which follow-up visits are necessary to monitor healing.

At Jasbir Dental Specialist Melaka, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to promote quick and effective healing. Our local patients benefit from convenient follow-up appointments and support, ensuring a smooth recovery process.

Benefits and Considerations

A gingivectomy can provide significant benefits, including improved oral health by reducing the risk of gum disease and enhancing the appearance of your smile. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection or prolonged discomfort, so it’s important to discuss these with your dentist beforehand.

For patients seeking to improve their gum health or the aesthetics of their smile, gingivectomy offers a safe and effective solution with lasting results.

How can I take care of myself during recovery?

After gingivectomy, your dental surgeon will give you a list of detailed post-operative instructions. You should follow these guidelines closely. Here are some basic recommendations for gingivectomy aftercare:
  • Keep the surgical site clean:
While you’ll want to avoid brushing too hard, you’ll still need to clean the surgical area. Brush gently and soak the area with an antibacterial mouthwash. Brush and floss all other teeth normally.
  • Take all medications as directed:
Your dental surgeon may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. Be sure to take these exactly as directed. You can also take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • Use an ice pack:
Place a cold compress on your outer jaw to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Stick with soft foods:
Avoid hard, crunchy foods for at least one week. Instead, choose foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, cooked veggies and scrambled eggs.
Avoid touching the surgical area. Though it may be tempting, don’t touch the surgical area with your fingers or tongue. This can disturb the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions?

In most cases, it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete a gingivectomy procedure. If you need gingivectomy on several teeth, it may take a little longer.
Gingivectomy is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to go home the same day. Your surgeon will give you a list of post-operative instructions to keep you comfortable during recovery at home.
Most people can return to work or school in a day or two. But keep activity light. If your job requires a lot of physical labor, you may want to stay home for at least three days. Be sure you avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 48 hours. An elevated heart rate could cause more pain, bleeding, and swelling.
Yes, you can eat after a gingivectomy procedure. But to avoid discomfort, you should wait until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Start with liquids or soft foods. After a few days, introduce more solid foods as your comfort level allows.

Do You Have Any Questions?

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