Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: five minutes
At first glance, gingivectomy and gingivoplasty might seem like they’re just two names for the same thing. But look closer, and you’ll find they’re actually two distinct procedures, each serving a unique purpose in your gum health journey.
If you are dealing with gum disease or just want to fine-tune your smile, you might be a candidate for one of these procedures.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, what each procedure aims for, and which one might be right for you.
Table of Contents
- Periodontal Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health
- Gingivectomy: A Closer Look
- Gingivoplasty: Shaping Your Smile
- Laser Treatment
- Post-Operative Care
- Gingivectomy vs Gingivoplasty
- FAQs
- Clearwater Dentistry: Your Partner in Oral Health
Key Takeaway
If you’re dealing with advanced gum disease or excessive gum tissue that affects your smile, a gingivectomy could be the solution you need to restore oral health and improve your appearance. If you’re looking to refine the shape of healthy gums for a more attractive smile or correct misshapen gums, gingivoplasty might be the right choice.
Periodontal Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, starts with plaque buildup that causes inflammation and can lead to serious problems if not addressed. Key impacts of periodontal disease include:
- Gum recession: Your gums pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that can become infected.
- Bone loss: The infection can erode the bone that supports your teeth.
- Tooth loss: Severe cases can lead to losing teeth.
- Gummy smile: Excessive gum tissue can make your teeth appear smaller.
Gingivectomy: A Closer Look
A gingivectomy removes diseased or excessive gum tissue. Your dentist might recommend this procedure if gum disease has progressed beyond the reach of non-surgical treatments or if excess gum tissue is impacting your smile.
Gingivectomy Procedure
- Numbing the area: Local anesthesia will be used to ensure you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure.
- Removing gum tissue: The diseased or excess gum tissue will be removed with a surgical scalpel or laser.
- Cleaning the area: The remaining gum tissue will be cleaned to remove any plaque or bacteria. A surgical dressing may be applied to the healing area.
Suitable Candidates for Gingivectomy
- Advanced gum disease: If you have deep pockets or diseased tissue that cannot be treated with scaling and root planing.
- Excess gum tissue: If overgrown gum tissue is affecting your smile or oral health.
- Cosmetic reasons: To improve the appearance of your smile if you have a gummy smile.
Gingivoplasty: Shaping Your Smile
Gingivoplasty reshapes and contours healthy gum tissue. Your dentist may perform this procedure for cosmetic reasons or to correct misshapen gums. Laser gingivoplasty is especially effective, providing precise results and minimal discomfort.
Gingivoplasty Procedure
- Numbing the area: The area will be numbed with local anesthesia.
- Reshaping with laser: Using a low-frequency laser, your dentist will precisely reshape and contour the gum tissue.
- Contouring the gum tissue: The laser helps to sculpt the gum tissue to improve both appearance and function.
- Post-procedure care: Your dentist will provide guidance on post-op care to ensure minimal discomfort and promote a swift recovery.
Laser Treatment
Precise LTM Laser: This advanced technology allows for precise gum reshaping with less pain and quicker healing. Benefits include:
- Precision: Targets only the necessary tissue for reshaping.
- Reduced pain: Less discomfort compared to traditional methods.
- Faster healing: Promotes quicker recovery with minimal post-op care.
Post-Operative Care
After either gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care. This may include:
- Dietary restrictions: Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could irritate your gums.
- Pain medications: Take any prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Oral hygiene practices: Brush and floss your teeth gently to prevent infection.
Recovery Timeline
The healing time for gingivectomy and gingivoplasty can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual healing process. However, most people can expect to see significant improvement within a few days.
Gingivectomy vs Gingivoplasty
| Aspect | Gingivectomy | Gingivoplasty |
| Primary goal | Remove diseased or excessive gum tissue | Reshape and contour healthy gum tissue |
| Additional goal | Improve appearance if excess gum tissue affects the smile | Correct misshapen gums or improve aesthetic appeal |
| Health improvement | Reduces/eliminates deep pockets and diseased tissue | Not applicable; focuses on healthy tissue |
| Aesthetic improvement | Enhances smile by removing excess gum tissue | Refines shape and contour of healthy gums |
| Functionality | Improves oral hygiene by making teeth and gums easier to clean | May improve gum function and comfort |
| Ideal candidates | Individuals with advanced gum disease or excess gum tissue | Individuals seeking cosmetic improvements or reshaping |
| Conditions | Deep periodontal pockets, diseased or overgrown tissue | Misshapen or uneven gums, healthy tissue |
FAQs
No, gums do not grow back after gingivoplasty. This procedure involves permanently reshaping the gum tissue.
Gingivoplasty is primarily performed for cosmetic reasons, such as to create a more symmetrical smile. However, it can also be used to treat certain types of periodontal disease.
One potential disadvantage of gingivectomy is that it can lead to sensitivity and pain. It also changes the aesthetics of your smile because gum tissue is removed.
Clearwater Dentistry: Your Partner in Oral Health
Gingivectomy is your go-to for tackling advanced gum disease and excessive tissue. Gingivoplasty is perfect for those looking to improve their gum line for a more polished look. Whether you’re aiming to fix gum problems or just want to give your smile a makeover, these procedures can be the key to a healthier, more radiant smile.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we offer both gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedures to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Our skilled team, modern technology, and comfortable environment make us a top choice for all your dental needs.
If you are searching for a ‘gum laser surgery in Greeley, CO’ or the ‘best dentist near me’ we can help! Call (970) 515-3550 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
