Learn more about our Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Gingivectomy service below…
A gingivectomy is performed when a patient has severe periodontal or gum disease that has not responded well to scaling and root planning or other periodontal procedures and is a procedure that is typically provided by a doctor. It is important to a patient’s overall health to effectively treat and control gum disease. Gingivectomies are performed to remove diseased gum tissue, and to reduce the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums.
This procedure can also be indicated when an overgrowth of gum tissue has occurred resulting from certain health side-effects, medications, or rapid orthodontic movement.
Before the procedure begins, the doctor will numb the area using a local anesthetic. Small incisions are then made and excess gum tissue will carefully be removed. After all areas of diseased tissue have been removed, a putty like substance is then placed over the gums. The substance is designed to protect the paitents gums as they heal.
After the procedure, it is important to eat only soft foods and to drink only cool or slightly warm liquids while the putty is in place and your gums are healing. It is very important to keep the mouth clean after the procedure, especially if the patient has gum disease. While it is important not to brush in the area where the procedure was performed for a short time following the gingivectomy, it may be possible to brush and floss the rest of the mouth. In a few weeks, the gums will be completely healed and it will be possible to resume brushing and flossing when recommended to do so by the doctor, though this should be done gently at first.