I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Caring for your teeth and gums can be overwhelming at times, but it is important. Considering half of all Americans have some form of gum disease, you may be at risk of this dental disorder that can wreak havoc on the look and underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Gum disease stems from bacteria that spreads through the mouth, infecting and inflaming the gum tissue that supports your teeth. This infection can cause bleeding, pain, and the loss of one or more teeth, so removing the infected tissue is imperative. A gingivectomy is the most common procedure used in patients with gum disease. This guide will help you understand this essential procedure to treat your gum disease.
The 411 on a Gingivectomy
Infected gum tissue is removed using scalpel or laser tool depending on your dentist or periodontist. A local anesthetic will be administered before the procedure begins, numbing your mouth to ensure you do not feel any of the removal.
After cutting out the diseased tissue, the remaining gum tissue left over will be attached to the tissue around the teeth using sutures. Your dentist or periodontist will also use this time to clean out the infected tissue using an antibacterial and saline rinse.
After the procedure, a dressing will be placed on the gum tissue. This will protect the incision and sutures from food residue and bacteria.
Although used primarily to treat gum disease, a gingivectomy can also be used on patients who have excess gum tissue that affects the look of their smile.
Recovery
As with other surgical procedures, proper recovery is needed to prevent complications and heal efficiently.
While you should not experience any pain, light discomfort and swelling is normal after a gingivectomy. Your dentist may prescribe an ibuprofen medication or you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Placing an ice pack on your mouth for a few minutes at a time can help reduce swelling while numbing any discomfort you may be experiencing.
You should keep the dressing in place until you see your dentist for a post-op examination.
Eat soft foods to reduce any stress on the mouth. Soups, stews, yogurt, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, pasta, and eggs are all good choices. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products during your recovery, since they can irritate your gum tissue.
A gingivectomy is an effective option for removing infected gum tissue and restoring your smile back to a healthy state. This guide will help you understand the process.
Share23 May 2018
