Gingivectomy & Gum Lift
Indianapolis & Fishers, IN
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
Full mouth reconstruction is a broad term (i.e., gum tissue). A gingivectomy is necessary when your gums have pulled away from your teeth creating deep pockets around those teeth.
A gingivectomy or gum lift is the surgical removal of gingiva (i.e., gum tissue). A gingivectomy is necessary when your gums have pulled away from your teeth creating deep pockets around those teeth. These pockets make it difficult to clean away damaging plaque and calculus. A gingivectomy or gum lift is usually done before gum disease has begun to damage the bone supporting the teeth. The procedure involves removing and reshaping loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of those pockets between the teeth and gums. By removing the walls of these pockets, the gingivectomy provides both visibility and accessibility to remove calculus and then thoroughly smooth the tooth roots. This will enhance a favorable environment for gingival healing and the restoration of the gumline contour. Although a gingivectomy was initially developed to treat periodontal disease, it is now a common cosmetic surgery as well. It is used to remove overgrown gum tissue and improve the appearance of your gums.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide assortment of periodontal and dental implant services which include performing a gingivectomy or a gum lift. Our caring and compassionate team focuses on a team goal of providing to you the absolute best quality for both your overall oral health and your healthy smile. We will work with you in a quiet, relaxed environment, and are committed to embracing your dental care as an especially important partner on your health team. If you would like to have an evaluation about the benefits of a gingivectomy or a gum lift, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that can be performed to address your oral health concerns, or for cosmetic purposes, or to provide us with improved accessibility and visibility to remove calculus and smooth the roots of your teeth, which will help facilitate your gums healing and restore your gum contour to its ideal shape. Much like a crown lengthening but a gingivectomy does not require the removal of bone to achieve the same result.
According to the American Dental Association nearly 47.2 percent of Americans over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. If you leave this untreated, gum disease will cause several issues to develop, which will include the decay and deterioration of your jawbone, and the loss of teeth. In addition to these oral health concerns, research studies now indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to systemic inflammation, which will escalate to increasing your risk of developing serious health issues, such as diabetes, dementia, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease.
Award Winning Periodontics
in Indianapolis and Fishers
Dedication to providing the best periodontal care to Indianapolis and Fishers isn't just something Drs. Edwards and Christman talk about. They are board certified periodontist, which means they have gone above and beyond what most periodontists do to master his field of work. They have sought out further education to bring the most promising new treatments to their patients.
How Is a Gingivectomy Performed?
The gingivectomy procedure will be performed at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics with either a surgical scalpel or low-frequency laser. Before we begin, we will administer a local anesthetic to adequately numb the areas involved to ensure that you experience no discomfort. Next, we will conduct a careful examination to identify the diseased tissue and ensure the appropriate amount of tissue will be removed. Once this has been determined, the diseased tissue or unwanted tissue will be removed by making small incisions or laser cuts. Once this tissue has been removed, your gums will then be reattached and the area will be cleaned, and if necessary, bandages will be placed on the area to protect your gums.
After the procedure is completed, usually a surgical dressing, or pack, is placed in and around the teeth and gums. This dressing is left in place for around a week. Swishing with an antibacterial mouthwash will help in the healing process.
The Benefits of a Gingivectomy or Gum Lift
There are a number of benefits you will enjoy after having a gingivectomy or gum lift performed, including the following:
- Reduces the depth of the gum pockets improving your health and your aesthetics
- Removes diseased tissue
- Treats periodontitis or gum disease
- Improve the appearance of your smile and boosts your self-confidence
- Improves your ability to practice and maintain the proper hygiene of your teeth and gums
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services. Our caring and compassionate team has one collective priority and that is your smile.
Contact Our Team Today
Gingivectomy or Gum Lift Aftercare
Following your gingivectomy, it is best to try to limit your activity for the next three days as much as possible. You will typically experience some mild discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. This can usually be managed by an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen. In more severe cases, Implant Dentistry and Periodontics may prescribe a pain medication, which can be taken in conjunction with the anti-inflammatory. It is also common to experience swelling after your gingivectomy, more so in your lower jaw. This can usually be treated with ice packs also in combination with the anti-inflammatory.
Once you have completed your recovery process, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with Implant Dentistry and Periodontics to ensure your procedure was successful. If your gingivectomy or gum lift was performed to address periodontal disease, it is important to understand why this procedure was needed in the first place. We will strongly encourage you to continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule preventative visits every six months with us to make sure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of any further development of gingivitis or periodontitis.
State of the Art Technology
For Advanced Periodontics
Offering the best periodontal care in the world requires the most advanced technology in the world. Drs. Edwards and Christman are always in search of new ways to provide patients with better results and do it in a way that minimizes pain and recovery time. They are also happy to take up technologies that make it easier to communicate with patients and allow us to do our jobs in more environmentally friendly ways.
Earning your Trust with High Quality Periodontal Care
When you visit the dedicated staff at Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, you will be subjected to a very professional and friendly staff that has the most advanced dental technology at our disposal. We are always conscientious and thoughtful because we realize how different and unique each patient really is. We formulate specific personalized treatment plans for you that work within your desires and budget. The ultimate goal of our team is putting value back into your undervalued personal asset, your smile, so every one of our dental services are performed with your best interests and oral health in mind.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we are diligent about maintaining a relaxed, comfortable, and restful clinic, and we want to be certain that you are confident in both our abilities and our services. Scheduling an appointment for a potential gingivectomy or gum lift is great first step towards being proactive in your oral health and regaining your healthy smile. To schedule an appointment, call our Indianapolis office, 8801 North Meridian St., Ste 103, Indianapolis, at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office, 9885 E. 116th St, Ste 300, Fishers, at 317-842-2273.