Gingivectomy in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Gingivoplasty & Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy treatment is available in Sarasota to help you improve the appearance of your smile and treat oral conditions such as gum disease.
What Is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure in which gum tissue is removed to treat gingivitis or enhance the appearance of the teeth. This procedure is commonly performed when diseased gum tissue has become loose and caused deep pockets to form between the teeth and gum line. A gingivectomy may also be performed as a cosmetic procedure to improve a gummy smile in those who may have short or narrow teeth, or who display more gums than teeth when smiling.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for a Gingivectomy?
Ideal candidates for a gingivectomy are those whose gums are inflamed due to gingivitis, gum disease, bacterial infections, or injury to the gums. Those who seek a gingivectomy for gingivitis treatment can reduce their risk of future gum damage along with plaque and tartar buildup. A gingivectomy may also be ideal for those who feel as though they have a gummy smile that can be improved with the removal or reshaping of gum tissue.
What to Expect During a Gingivectomy
First, the dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the treatment area to reduce pain, then use a scalpel or gingivectomy laser to gently reduce and contour gum tissue. Laser gingivectomies may or may not require any local anesthetic. Gingivectomy procedures rarely have any painful consequences. Over-the-counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol is enough to relieve any discomfort that my follow. The dentist will usually recommend a follow up rinse such as Stellalife or warm salt water rinses 2-4 times per day. At Sarasota Dentistry, a gingivectomy usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the amount of gum tissue being treated.
What’s the Difference Between Scalpel and Laser Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy performed using a scalpel usually requires less training than gingivectomy with a laser; therefore, scalpel gingivectomy may be offered by a higher number of dentists. However, gingivectomy laser treatment may be more precise than scalpel treatment and result in a faster healing rate, less pain, and lower infection risk.
Schedule a Gingivectomy Consultation in Sarasota, FL
Whether you’re battling gum disease or want to reshape your smile, gingivectomy treatment at Sarasota Dentistry offers a fast, comfortable, and effective solution. Dr. Hank Michael uses the latest techniques to ensure exceptional results in both functional and cosmetic gum procedures.
Serving Sarasota, Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Venice, Gulf Gate Estates, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hank Michael and his team at Sarasota Dentistry can discuss available gingivectomy payment options and help you find out whether your health plan covers this procedure.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the average fee for a gingivectomy in 2013 ranged between $250 and $515.
The gingivectomy procedure itself usually isn’t painful since a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums prior to surgery. However, you may feel a sharp, persistent pain in your gums after the anesthetic wears off, which can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Any pain and soreness from a gingivectomy usually subsides within seven days of having the procedure but most often it subsides in less than 48 hours.
The recovery time from a gingivectomy usually lasts about one week. During that time, you may experience bleeding gums, pain in the gums and jaw, and be instructed to eat soft foods to reduce pain and irritation. Your dentist may follow up with you after one week to confirm your gums are healing properly.
Evidence shows it is possible for gum tissue to grow back after a gingivectomy. Results from a study published in the International Journal of Medicine Sciences showed that connective tissue repair following a gingivectomy may occur as early as 7 to 8 weeks following the procedure. A case report published in the World Journal of Stomatology showed that a patient who had undergone laser gingivectomy experienced healthy tissue regrowth within one year.
A gingivectomy can produce long-lasting results for patients who brush and floss twice per day, and who avoid smoking and eating foods high in sugar. The dentists at Sarasota Dentistry performing your gingivectomy can give you realistic expectations regarding how to prolong the results of your procedure.
You may experience some pain and soreness after a gingivectomy that makes it difficult to eat foods with a medium to hard texture or acidity. Your dentist will recommend eating soft foods to lessen irritation and avoid damaging your gums as they heal during the week following your gingivectomy. You should also avoid tomatoes, and acidic fruit such as pineapple, lemons and limes. Tooth paste can also be irritation for that first week following the gingivectomy.
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