Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy

If you believe your gums and your teeth are out of balance during your smile because you see more gums than teeth, then cosmetic dentistry may very well be a solution for you.

A gummy smile is not either a health or hygiene risk, but it can be detrimental if you are uncomfortable with your gum-to-teeth ratio. Your dentist will discuss several cosmetic dentistry options that can help if you want to improve the appearance of your gummy smile.

Your dentist will first diagnose exactly why your gums are showing more than your teeth. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, most commonly tooth size, upper lip size and movement, overbites, and an overgrowth of your gums.

Your dentist will use x-rays to help determine your personal gum-to-tooth and jaw line ratios, and to also check your lip movement. These assessments will help determine the best option for you.

A gingivectomy, also called crown lengthening, is a simple oral surgery that removes excessive gums in a minimally invasive method. This procedure reduces tissue overgrowth and improves the appearance of your teeth by removing the gingiva.

Most people wait until they are adults before having a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is the popular choice to improve your healthy smile.

This could be the result of taking medication, such as blood pressure pills, or undergoing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy gingivitis, which will cause your gums to become bigger and look unnatural. Or you may just be concerned because your teeth look shorter.

Choosing a gingivectomy is a less intrusive and more cost-effective solution. If your procedure is done with a laser, you will notice spectacular results in the same day.

A gum lift, or gingivectomy, simply removes any excess gum tissue around your teeth, making your teeth appear longer. Your smile will have a healthy tooth-to-gum ratio.

What are the Benefits of a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy offers a variety of benefits because the procedure:

  • Removes excess or overgrown gum tissue.
  • Will correct your gummy smile.
  • Reduces unwanted and harmful oral bacteria.
  • Will eliminate periodontal pockets around your teeth.
  • Makes your brushing and flossing more effective because you can reach problem areas easier.
  • Helps you maintain your healthy teeth and gums.

The Gingivectomy Procedure

A gingivectomy may take between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the amount of gum tissue being removed.

Minor procedures involving just one tooth or a few teeth can be completed in one visit. More extensive gum contouring or removal will need several appointments. Usually, your dentist will let one area heal before moving to the next.

Following are the steps to a gingivectomy:

  • First your dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area.
  • The dentist then performs a soft tissue incision with either a laser tool or a scalpel to remove the specific, unwanted sections of your gum tissue.
  • During the process, your dentist will use a suction tool to remove any extra saliva in your mouth.
  • The dentist could finish with a laser tool to vaporize any excess tissue and to sculpt the gumline once the tissue has been removed.
  • To promote the healing process, your dentist may apply a soft dough-like substance and bandages to the surgical area for protection.

How Painful is a Gingivectomy?