Gingivectomy (Gingivoplasty)

Healthy gums are crucial for a beautiful smile and proper oral care. But conditions like too much gum tissue, uneven gum lines or periodontal disease can interfere with both function and aesthetics. Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are surgical procedures to reshape or remove gum tissue. Gingivectomy is a surgery performed to get rid of of the infected or excess gum tissue, and its primary purpose is to treat gum disease or to make your gum health better. In contrast, a gingivoplasty is simply an aesthetic procedure that helps to reshape the gum tissue so that there is a symmetrical and more visually pleasing gum line. Both procedures are done with scalpels, lasers or electrosurgery depending on the patient’s condition.

Gingivectomy is mainly performed to treat advanced gum disease through the removal of deep pockets that harbor bacteria. This prevents additional injury to the teeth and underlying bone. It can also help to remove overgrown gum tissue as a result of medication or genetic conditions.

Gingivoplasty, on the other hand, is primarily done to treat gummy smiles, uneven gum profiles, or asymmetrical gum lines. It enhances the appearance of an individual’s teeth, making the gums appear proportioned, which looks more aesthetic. Both the procedures help improve the oral health of the person as they make the teeth easier to clean, thus reducing the risk of mouth infections.

These treatments are often prescribed to patients with certain dental problems, such as:

• Patients with Periodontal Disease – people with deep gum pockets unresponsive to non-surgical treatment.
• Patients with Gum Hyperplasia – People with excess gum tissue from drugs (like anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants) or hereditary.
• People with a Gummy Smile – People who have gums that cover too much of their teeth, thus altering the aesthetics of the smile.
• Braces & Aligners Patients — Individuals seeking gum reshaping so teeth can be properly aligned.
• Patients Of Cosmetic Dentistry – People who want to upgrade their smile before taking on veneers, crowns, or teeth whitening.

There are different ways to perform these procedures:

• Scalpel Surgery – The conventional technique that employs a surgical blade to trim away excess gum tissue by hand.
• Laser Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty – This is a newer method with the use of soft-tissue lasers for sharp cuts, minimal bleeding, and better healing time.
• Electrosurgery – A more modern technique that utilizes controlled electric currents to cut and reshape the gums with minimal pain.
• Flap Surgery with Gingivectomy – For very severe periodontal disease, a gum flap surgery and gingivectomy is done.

Laser-based techniques are becoming favored due to improved precision, decreased pain, and quicker recovery.

• Consultation and Diagnosis: A dentist will first assess the gum health of the patient, any infections, and possible treatment options. X-rays might be taken to evaluate your bone and tooth structure.
• Injecting the Local Anesthesia: During the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the gums, so it is completely painless.
• Removal or Reshaping the Gum Tissue: Gingivectomy gives additional visual of the teeth as excess gum tissue is trimmed and removed meticulously. In gingivoplasty, the dentist remodels the gum tissue to improve its appearance. Depending on the selected method, the procedure may involve some combination of scalpel, laser, or electrosurgery.
• Cleaning and Dressing: After reshaping, the gums are then cleaned and disinfected. The gums might then be covered with a protective periodontal dressing to help them heal.
• Aftercare Instructions: Patients are instructed about preventing discomfort, maintaining oral health and healing.

The benefits of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty include:

• Improved Oral Hygiene – By removing excessive or diseased gum tissue, teeth are easier to keep clean.
• Enhanced smile aesthetics — Reshaped gums result in more pleasing to the eye teeth.
• Prevention – As it slows down the bacteria build-up, there are lower chances of gum disease from progressing and causing your tooth to fall out.
• Fast and Efficient Procedure – Both procedures are minimally invasive and typically done in just one session.
• Long Lasting Results – With proper aftercare, results can last a lifetime.

They give more permanent and accurate results than non-surgical treatments. One method in particular, laser gingivectomy, has quicker healing time than standard processes. Gingivoplasty also has a cosmetic component that can not be achieved just by dental cleaning or orthodontic processes.

Results of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are long-lasting. But other factors, including oral hygiene, gum disease and lifestyle habits (smoking, a poor diet) can impact on it. A proper care allows the effect to last for several years.

The entire procedure usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. It will take 1 to 2 weeks for initial healing and up to a month for complete recovery.

In India, the price of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty ranges from: Gingivectomy: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 per quadrant. Laser Gingivectomy: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 per quadrant. Gingivoplasty: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per session. Depending on its cause, dental insurance may cover gingivectomy, but only for medical reasons and not for cosmetic.

While safe, here are the potential risks:

• Mild bleeding or swelling.
• Temporary gum sensitivity.
• Severe gum recession (if too much tissue is removed).
• Infection (if you don’t do aftercare)

• Discomfort during healing.
• Overdoing it can cause gum recession.
• Not right for every problem with the gums.
• Not suitable for all cases.

• Scaling and Root Planing – Comprehensive, non-invasive gum disease treatment.
• Crown Lengthening – To uncover additional tooth structure.
• Gum Grafts – Used to surmount gum recession (never to extract tissue).

• Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and do so gently.
• Avoid spicy, hard and acidic foods for a couple of days.
• Instead rinse with salt water or medicated mouthwash.
• Refrain from smoking and drinking to aid recovery.