What is gingivoplasty and why is it done?

by | Jun 13, 2013 | Dentist

When the gums are reshaped by surgical means the procedure is called gingivoplasty surgery. This procedure is carried out by a periodontist in Peabody MA; the procedure is done for either medical reasons or cosmetic purposes. There is a procedure which is closely related which is called gingivectomy, this is where loose gum tissue is removed and the gum that remains is reshaped. Both these procedures are usually required to treat periodontal disease.

Excess gum tissue is something that interferes with ones oral health, it causes the formation of little pockets of tissue between the individual teeth and gums; this can trap food which in turn is the sponsor of periodontal disease. It can get to the point where the tissue gets so overgrown that it becomes difficult to talk and chew. When the expert periodontist in Peabody MA reshapes the gums, he or she will remove the excess tissue wherever it has grown and then reshape the gums, removing the small pockets between the teeth.

Before this procedure can be done, the teeth must be perfectly clean of all plaque and tartar buildup. As this cleaning can cause a slight gum swelling, usually a couple of days later the procedure is performed. Gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, whatever procedure is performed is usually done under a local anesthetic. The patient will be given a number of shots directly into the gum tissue to numb them. If the patient is unusually nervous of the procedure, the periodontist will give the patient a tranquillizer to help calm them for the operation. The reshaping of the gums is normally done by hand using different scalpels but there are times when the reshaping will be accomplished by lasers and electrosurgical means.

Once the procedure is over, the gums are dressed to provide protection. This periodontal dressing is used for at least a week, more often, 10 days is required. During this time the patient must be extremely careful with what they eat, they must maintain a soft food diet and smoking is taboo. There is very little pain associated with the procedure but the gums are raw and need time to heal. If crunchy or hard foods were to be consumed, bleeding of the gums will normally happen. At JOSEPHINE PANDOLFO in Peabody MA get a complete periodontal exam of the your mouth done before any recommended treatment.

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