Are you unhappy with your smile? We want you to be happy with your smile – and we know we can make it happen. We offer various services to correct aesthetic problems and improve oral health, including gingivectomy in Parker and Glendale, CO. We understand that every patient is unique, so we provide personalized care to meet your needs.
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Maryanne Butler or Dr. Amy Riffel!
What is a Gingivectomy?
Are you considering getting a gingivectomy? Have you heard of this periodontal procedure and want to know more about it? At Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants and Periodontics of Cherry Creek, we understand that it can be challenging to understand the ins and outs of dental procedures. That’s why we are here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral health care.
A gingivectomy (sometimes called “gum reshaping”) is a periodontal procedure used to remove excess gum tissue from around the teeth. Excess tissue can cause the appearance of short teeth or a gummy smile. Thick or excessively overgrown gum tissue can make teeth appear too short, which can make your smile look uneven.
A gingivectomy can help improve the aesthetics of your smile because there will no longer be an overabundance of gum tissue obscuring or covering up part or all of the visible surfaces of your teeth. It can also help reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. The excess tissue can act as a trap for food and harmful bacteria. A gingivectomy removes this excess tissue making the area easier to clean and less likely to trap plaque and bacteria.
By removing excess gum tissue in certain areas, we can also bring more symmetry and more natural proportions to your smile. Simply removing a few millimeters of gum tissue can make the teeth look longer and your gum line more uniform.
Gingivectomy to Treat Gum Disease
Gingivectomy is also often completed in conjunction with osseous surgery to treat severe gum disease, known as periodontal disease. Osseous surgery removes craters and irregularities in the bone caused by periodontal disease. In osseous surgery, the gingivectomy can be utilized to remove and reshape loose, diseased gum tissue to help eliminate pockets between your teeth and gums. This can slow or stop the progression of periodontal disease and can take your pain, discomfort, and embarrassment away.
How Does a Gingivectomy Work?
During this procedure, our team at Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants and Periodontics of Cherry Creek will use special tools to safely and carefully remove any excess gum tissue around your teeth. The exact process depends on the patient’s needs. However, typically, local anesthesia will be administered before we begin to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment. Depending upon the reason for the gingivectomy, there may be additional treatment recommended as well.
Why Might I Need a Gingivectomy?
We may recommend a gingivectomy if you have the following:
- An excessive amount of gum tissue covering part or all of your visible tooth surfaces
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums (this can be used in combination with osseous surgery- a gingivectomy by itself does not treat gum disease
- Experienced trauma or injury that has caused an uneven gum line
- Cavities or tooth fractures that extend too deep below the gum
- Other issues with symmetry regarding your gum line make it difficult for you to maintain good oral hygiene habits or cause aesthetic concerns with how your smile looks.
Ultimately, this procedure is tailored specifically for each patient’s unique needs to best serve them and their oral health goals.
Gingivectomy in Parker and Glendale, CO
If you have a gummy smile or are witnessing any periodontal symptoms or problems, call and schedule an appointment with Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants and Periodontics of Cherry Creek. Plan for periodontal therapy consultation, and our staff can provide helpful recommendations.
Gingivectomies are just one type of periodontal treatment offered at Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants and Periodontics of Cherry Creek. Our procedures can help restore balance and beauty to your smile. Don’t hesitate to reach out today!
We look forward to helping you achieve optimal dental health and beautiful results with a customized gingivectomy treatment plan!