Gingivectomy

The gum tissue may sometimes become overgrown and thicken to the point that it covers the tooth surface, making the tooth itself look short. Certain medications can cause this condition. It may also be caused by inflammation due to gum disease.

A gingivectomy may be offered to eliminate this excess gum tissue. The following are indications for a gingivectomy:

Cosmetics – Teeth are normal in size and shape, however there is too much overlying gum. Adjusting the gum line will make the teeth look longer, and more proportional

Function – Drug-induced gingival overgrowth may occur after taking the following classes of medications. The excess gum tissue creates deep pockets that harbor periodontal disease-causing bacteria:

1. Anti-seizure
2. Organ transplant
3. High blood pressure – specific types only

A gingivectomy procedure takes approximately one hour. It may be done with local anaesthetic alone, or in combination with sedation (see “Sedation”). Most patients are back at work one day after having had gingivectomy. The majority of healing takes place during the first week, and patients may then resume most of their normal eating and oral hygiene practices (see “Post-Operative Instructions”). The tissue underneath continues to mature however, and full healing of the gums takes 4-6 weeks. Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will see you for a 1-week and 6-week post-operative check.