When considering the overall health and appearance of a patient's mouth, the gums should never be overlooked. This soft pink tissue should hug your teeth and keep them healthy. When gums become infected due to periodontal disease or damaged due to dental appliances, like metal braces, they become unhealthy. Unhealthy gums might recede or increase in volume, change color, bleed, and even become painfully inflamed.
If you're experiencing issues with the health of your gums or feel self-conscious about having a gummy smile, gingivectomy or gingivoplasty at Dr Christopher J. Fotinos Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Orange, CA could be your answer to having healthy, beautiful gums!
Also referred to as gum contouring and gingival sculpting, gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are sometimes used interchangeably, as they're often both performed during a single operation. The two procedures, however, are slightly different.
A gingivectomy refers to the removal of diseased gum tissue. A gingivoplasty procedure is typically performed to reshape otherwise healthy gum tissues. One procedure, however, is rarely performed without the other.
Gingivectomy is typically recommended for patients with fairly severe periodontal disease or who have hypertrophic gum tissue as the result of a medication's side effects. This procedure removes the diseased or dead gum tissue before further infection can permanently damage the teeth or their roots. A gingivectomy is often recommended after the removal of metal braces, as these oral appliances can make it difficult to properly clean the gums, leading to infection and chronic inflammation.
Used to shape and contour the gums in an aesthetically pleasing way, gingivoplasty is recommended for patients who have asymmetrical or irregular gingival margins that help create the shapes of their teeth. Gingivoplasty is also an option for patients with abnormally short teeth, large gums, or a gummy smile.
When placing anterior restorations, such as porcelain veneers or cosmetic crowns, a gingivoplasty is sometimes necessary to idealize the gingival contour which frames the teeth similar to a beautiful picture frame on a painting.
This procedure can also address cleft gums and gum craters.
This procedure starts with some numbing gel on the gingival tissue (no injections) and is completed with a soft tissue laser which reshapes or removes the gingival tissue quickly and efficiently. Healing is almost instantaneous with usually no postoperative sensitivity and it's common for the tissue to return to form in 3 to 5 days.
Always follow after-care instructions from Dr Fotinos or Dr Rosales. Practice proper oral hygiene, floss, and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to increase tissue formation.
If you're experiencing gum health issues or have concerns about your smile, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at our Orange, CA practice.
Includes a full series of x-rays, intra & extra oral photos, a comprehensive dental exam, regular dental cleaning, oral cancer screening, sleep apnea screening, and an orthodontic assessment.
This is a 30 minute appointment to discuss a current condition, cosmetics or emergency treatment.
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