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.
A gingivectomy or gum lift is usually Performed before gum disease has begun to damage the bone supporting the teeth
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that removes and reshapes gum tissue. Sometimes called a gum lift when performed for cosmetic reasons, it can be used to improve the appearance of an uneven gumline or expose more of the natural teeth. It can also help with certain periodontal problems, particularly when excess gum tissue makes it difficult to clean around the teeth.
When gum disease develops, the spaces between your teeth and gums can become deeper, forming what are known as periodontal pockets. Plaque and tartar can collect in these pockets, making them difficult to keep clean. In certain cases, a gingivectomy can reduce pocket depth by removing excess gum tissue. This gives your dentist or periodontist better access to the tooth surfaces and makes it easier for you to maintain the area after treatment. However, not all periodontal pockets can be treated this way, especially when there is damage to the underlying bone.
During a gingivectomy, the area is numbed before the excess gum tissue is carefully removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped. The procedure itself does not involve removing bone, although other treatments, such as certain types of crown lengthening, may require bone reshaping. Which procedure is appropriate depends on the condition of your gums and the supporting structures around your teeth.
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we offer gingivectomy procedures along with a variety of other periodontal and dental implant treatments. If you're concerned about the health or appearance of your gums, we can examine the area and discuss which treatments may be beneficial. To schedule a consultation, call our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600 or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273.
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 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 a 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, 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
- Improves 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 so in a way that minimizes pain and recovery time. They are also happy to adopt 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
At Implant Dentistry and Periodontics, we know that every patient comes to us with different concerns. Before recommending treatment, we want to hear what's bothering you, what you'd like to accomplish, and what your budget is. From there, we'll go over your options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation. Our office also uses modern dental technology to assist with planning and treatment.
We know that dental appointments aren't exactly something most people look forward to. That's why we make a point of explaining what to expect, giving you time to ask questions, and doing what we can to keep you comfortable during your visit. If you'd like to schedule an appointment, you can reach our Indianapolis office at 317-574-0600, located at 8801 North Meridian St., Suite 103, or our Fishers office at 317-842-2273, located at 9885 E. 116th St., Suite 300.