Gingivectomy

A healthy and harmonious gum-line is essential for a beautiful smile, as the gums are the frame around the teeth. A gingivectomy is a dental procedure that raises and sculpts the gum-line. This procedure may involve reshaping the tissue to create the appearance of longer and symmetrical teeth, thereby making the smile more aesthetically pleasing. It can also be done to remove excess tissue for optimal placement of a crown. A gingivectomy is typically done to reduce excessively “gummy” smiles or to balance out an asymmetrical gum-line.

Things to expect after treatment:

• We used a local anesthetic that might last for several hours after the procedure. You should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. There are no restrictions on your usual activities.
• Do not eat or drink anything sharp, spicy, or hard for the next 48 hours.
• Healing can take up to one week.
• Rinsing with salt water helps keep the area clean and facilitates healing.
• Brush your teeth in the area, but avoid brushing into the gums for 7 days.