Many people have a gummy smile, but very few know about how to correct it. When the gum tissue is thick and large and covers the surface of the teeth, the teeth can look short, causing the gummy smile. Various reasons contribute to this condition, like certain medications, the bone that stretches too close to the teeth surface, or infection and swelling resulting from gum disease.

If you have a gummy smile and wish to fix the condition, your periodontist can help with gingivectomy or gingivoplasty. 

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy process involves removing a portion of the patient's gum tissue to treat gum disease or lengthen the height of the tooth. A gingivectomy procedure is generally done when the patient has gum disease, the gum impedes a restoration, or affects the esthetics of the teeth. 

Gingivoplasty 

Gingivoplasty is the process of reshaping the gum tissue around the patient's teeth surgically to make them look natural and aesthetic. This process can be done alone or during, or after a gingivectomy or along with a gum graft.

A patient might need a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty due to the following reasons:

• Cosmetic reasons: When the gum covers too much of the gum tissue, the teeth can look short. A gingivectomy procedure can fix this condition and make the teeth look longer and proportional.
• Functional/Esthetic reasons: To fix gingival overgrowth (excess gum tissue) developed due to certain anti-seizure and organ-transplant drugs and high blood pressure medications.
• Bone and gum health related reasons: If the patient has deep gum pockets, a gingivectomy procedure, and some bone work can shrink the gum pockets. 

Difference Between Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty 

A gingivectomy process involves removing the diseased gum tissue, whereas gingivoplasty is performed to reshape the otherwise healthy gum tissues. 

When Is a Gingivectomy Recommended?

Gingivectomy is suggested for patients having a severe periodontal disease or with hypertrophic gum tissue due to the side effects of certain medications. The diseased gum tissue is removed during the procedure to prevent further infection that can cause permanent damage to the teeth or teeth roots. 

When Is a Gingivoplasty Recommended?

A gingivoplasty procedure involves the shaping and contouring of the gums to make them aesthetically pleasing. This procedure can benefit patients with asymmetrical or irregular gingival margins, large gums, abnormally short teeth, or a gummy smile. Besides, gingivoplasty can also be performed to fix cleft gums or gum craters.

What to expect from a Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty 

When a patient reaches Arden Dental Center, Dr. Wen Lu will examine their teeth and gums and determine the gum surgery that best suits their condition. After administering the suitable dental sedation, the doctor starts the gingival flap surgery by making cuts in the gums to pull the gum away from the teeth. A deep cleaning procedure is done before the gums are stitched closed. A gingivectomy procedure removes excess gum tissue while gingivoplasty reshapes and adjusts the patient's recessive gum tissue. In some cases, our dentist may also perform a gum graft surgery along with gingivoplasty to make the patient's gumline even.

Wish to know more about the procedures? We at Arden Dental Center (www.ardendentalcenter.com) are here to help. Call us at (630) 529-0303 or schedule an appointment online.