What is a Gingivectomy
Certain people are ashamed or feel uncomfortable when smiling because their gums show too much. Therefore, the perception given is that the teeth are smaller than they really are, which ends up significantly impacting the aesthetics of the smile. But actually, this is a problem that has correction.
What is it?
Gingivectomy is a surgery and serves to correct a patient 's gum excess. In this way, the proportion between teeth and gums is adjusted and it is possible to obtain a much more harmonious smile. This type of procedure is recommended for people who have the so-called gummy smile, which usually causes problems with teething or labial frenulum, as well as prolonged use of fixed braces.
Usually, this problem is associated with the birth of teeth or labial frenulum, as well as excessive use of fixed braces. Thus, it is associated with misalignment between the teeth, lips and gums, and may also be caused by hereditary factors, excess growth of the maxillary bone and deviation in tooth eruption.
Gingivectomy is the solution for anyone looking for smile harmony. It is through this surgical process that it is possible to remove excess gum, establishing a balance in the appearance of the face.
How does gingivectomy work?
Gingivectomy, even though it may be frightening at first, is considered a simple and painless procedure, as it is performed under anesthesia and with minimal cuts. By surgery, it is possible to remove 1 to 2 millimeters of tissue, correcting the problem. However, in more complex cases, in which part of the gum has a very pronounced height. For gum reduction, a normal scalpel or an electric or laser scalpel can be used. In other cases, removal can be done with a specific cutting drill. At first, the dentist will disinfect the site (antisepsis), extra and intraorally. Then the dentist will apply anesthesia on site.
It is with the incision of the scalpel and with the displacement of the soft tissues that the necessary amount of gum is removed. At this stage, the specialist dentist will be able to correct other imperfections, such as the outline of the gum (gingival plasty).
Faced with a gummy smile, when the gum is strongly present when smiling, the surgery performed tends to be more detailed due to the aesthetic particularities, and the cut with the scalpel is commonly performed with the external bevel. For changes to be made, the procedure usually takes an average of 30 to 60 minutes, and up to 2 hours in more complex cases. After the procedure, the dentist places a surgical bandage inside the mouth, around the gums and teeth. The dressing should be used for about a week.
What are the causes of gummy smile?
* As said, gummy smile can be caused by a number of factors, they are:
* Exaggerated growth of the gums around the teeth;
* Upper jaw with excessive volume;
* Abnormal and exaggerated growth of the gums;
* Muscle hyperactivity;
* Short upper lip;
* Excess bone tissue over the teeth;
* Altered Passive Eruption (ERA);
* Gingival hypertrophy – which may be associated with the use of orthodontic appliances and certain anti-epileptic, immunosuppressive and calcium channel blocking medications.