If you are getting a gingivectomy, you probably have the beginning stages of gum disease. The procedure is not elective. If you are getting a gingivoplasty, you are probably not happy with the appearance of your gums and want a more attractive smile. The procedure is elective. The difference between the two is, as they say, “apples and oranges.” And while they both involve a restructuring of the gums, gingivectomy protects you from the ravages of gum disease; the other is improving your appearance.
A gingivectomy surgically removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. The procedure treats first-stage gum disease or gingivitis. It is also used in a cosmetic capacity to remove extra gum tissue to improve the smile.
A gingivoplasty is a purely cosmetic procedure. Gums get trimmed back or enhanced to maximize the length of short teeth or minimize the look of teeth that appear too long.
What Happens During a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy removes diseased tissue, using stitches to reattached healthy gums around the teeth. Then the area is cleaned with saline and special rinses.
Who is a candidate?
Patients with serious gum disease are likely candidates for gingivectomy. Tartar and plaque deposits have resulted in pockets of infection; gums are pulling away from the teeth. If left untreated, the condition will eventually result in tooth loss; the spreading infection endangers your overall health.
Gingivectomy may also be the proper choice for individuals whose gums either genetically or through disease cover too much or not enough of their teeth. In this instance, gum grafts add to or excise too much gum. The first reduces the look of teeth as too long; the second leaves more tooth to reduce the look of ‘gummy smiles.’ gums to increase or decrease tooth surface. hat used to add tissue or excise tissue to expose more tooth surface. The treatment is considered cosmetic and may not be covered by dental insurance.
What Happens During a Gingivoplasty?
Perhaps gum disease has left you with a distorted gum line, or maybe the cause is genetic. In either case, you have chosen a gingivoplasty to correct your gum appearance. The procedure is often done after a gingivectomy to correct a distorted gum line. It is also done purely for cosmetic purposes on patients unhappy with a “gummy smile” to reduce the appearance of gums, lengthen the surface of teeth, and improve their general appearance. Gingivoplasty is done surgically either with traditional dental instruments or using modern laser technology.
Pros and Cons
There is really little basis for comparison between the two procedures. A gingivoplasty may be performed after a gingivectomy to correct an uneven gum line or other aesthetic issues, or it can be done on its own to correct gum and teeth issues that affect your appearance. The biggest decision you will make is whether to undergo traditional gum or laser gum surgery.
Whether you are suffering from gum disease or simply concerned about your appearance, Think Oral Implants and Periodontics specializes in both procedures. Call us now for a free consult (610) 550-3333. Think Oral Implants and Periodontics, office located at 250 W. Lancaster Ave., Suite 215, Paoli, PA 1930
