Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy is a surgical dental procedure used to remove the infected gum tissues. Gums may suffer serious damage due to diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis. When treatment methods such scaling and root planing do not bring down the extent of the infection, gingivectomy would be required to remove the tissues and prevent the spread of the infection.

Causes of gum infection

• The major cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. The microbes from plaque infect the gums, leading to symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, release of pus, decaying of the tissues, formation of abscess and severe pain.
• Sometimes, severe cavities could result in a root canal infection. If left untreated, the infection could spread to the bone and the surrounding gums as well.

Procedure

After careful examination, the dentist decides whether or not gingivectomy is required. In certain cases, removal of the plaque by scaling and root planing, followed by the administering of medication will arrest the infection. But when the severity of the infection is too much, a surgery would be inevitable.

Local anaesthesia will be given to numb the gums. The infected tissues are removed by making small incisions on them. After this, an adequate amount of medication will be placed on the gums to make sure they heal and to prevent the infection of the operated site. In case the gum tissues have receded below the normal level, a gum graft may be recommended by the dentist. 

What is the significance of gingivectomy?

• Gingivectomy is used to remove the infected gum tissues and prevent the spread of the infection to the teeth. It helps to prevent loosening of the teeth from their sockets.
• The deep pockets between the teeth and the walls of the gums can be reduced by gingivectomy. This prevents the accumulation of microbes, food particles and other debris in them.
• It can be used to reshape loose gums.
• When there is an excessive growth of gums, the unwanted gum tissues can be removed.

Post surgery care

After the surgery, the patient shouldn’t consume hot or spicy food until the wound heals. It is best to stay on a liquid diet and avoid brushing or flossing near the site of surgery. The regular diet and cleaning habits can be resumed as per the recommendation of the dentist.

Schedule a consultation with us today and our highly experienced dentists will be happy to help.