Restore the Health of Your Gums with a Gingivectomy
When gum disease cannot be treated with antibiotics or scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery can prevent the disease from progressing and restore the health of your gums. At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, Dr. Kellyn Hodges and our team can coordinate treatment of your periodontal disease with a gingivectomy at one of our three locations in the Philadelphia, PA, area. During this procedure, diseased portions of your gums are removed and reshaped under local anesthesia. In some cases, this technique can reverse the effects of periodontal issues for improved oral health.
When Is a Gingivectomy Necessary?
Periodontal disease can cause your gums to pull away from the teeth, creating deep pockets that are difficult to clean. When this happens, plaque often develops in the pockets. Left untreated, this condition can cause irreversible damage to the supporting structures of your teeth. A gingivectomy can help halt the progression of gum disease and make it easier to maintain your periodontal health.
Risks of Gum Surgery
In some cases, gum surgery can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Patients with certain medical conditions who are at a higher risk for infections may need to speak to their general physician before undergoing this treatment. Conditions of concern include:
- Heart problems that increase the risk of a heart infection called endocarditis
- Recent major surgery
- Prosthetic body parts, such as an artificial heart valve or hip
- An impaired immune system
You can discuss your medical history with a member of our team during an initial consultation. Based on this information, we can recommend the right treatment to suit your needs.
The Procedure
Before the gingivectomy, your dentist will numb your gums with a local anesthetic. Next, the dentist will gently remove and reshape affected tissue to eliminate the infection. He or she may also stabilize the remaining tissue using sutures. After the procedure, your dentist may apply a putty over the gum line to protect the soft tissue while it heals.
Recovery and Aftercare
It can take about a week for your gums to fully heal after surgery. We recommend that you eat soft, cool foods while your gums are healing. Most patients experience little to no discomfort after the procedure. However, if your gums are sore, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the discomfort.
Once they have fully healed, your gums should become pink and healthy again.
For the first month after treatment, it is important to be gentle with your gums while brushing or flossing. During this time, you may notice changes to the shape of your gums. Once they have fully healed, your gums should become pink and healthy again. A gingivectomy also makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and maintain your overall oral health.
Protect Your Oral Health
Gum disease affects over 45 percent of adults over the age of 30 in the United States. When left untreated, this condition can progress rapidly and, in severe cases, cause tooth loss. If you are suffering from the effects of gum disease, it is crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible to protect the health of your smile. To schedule a consultation, contact our office online or call us at (215) 245-5100. We will conduct a thorough analysis to determine which treatment is best for your needs.
