Gingivectomy / Gum Lift in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
A gingivectomy or a gum lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to address oral health concerns or for cosmetic reasons. Similar in nature to a crown lengthening, a gingivectomy does not require the removal of bone to achieve the same result, a gingivectomy involves the removal of a portion of gum tissue around the tooth, typically to correct gum disease.
Gum Lift Information
Gingivectomy or a gum lift is the surgical removal of gingiva, or gum tissue. A gingivectomy is necessary when your gums have pulled away from your teeth creating deeper pockets. The larger pockets make it difficult to get rid of the plaque and calculus. A gingivectomy is usually done before the gum disease has damaged the bone supporting the teeth. The procedure is the removal and reshaping of loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of the pockets. By removing the pocket walls, a gingivectomy will provide visibility and accessibility to remove plaque and calculus and smooth the tooth roots. This removes the source of the infection and creates a favorable environment for the healing and restoration of the gums. Although the gingivectomy was initially developed to treat periodontal disease, it is now also a common cosmetic surgery. It is used to remove overgrown gum tissue to do a gum lift to improve the appearance of the gum contour.
If PerioImplant Associates has recommended you have a gingivectomy to address periodontitis, it is important to schedule the procedure as soon as possible. If left untreated, the gum disease will cause a number of issues to develop, including the decay of your jawbone, and the loss of teeth. In addition to these oral health concerns, studies indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to systemic inflammation, which will increase your risk of developing serious health issues, such as diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or heart disease.
Benefits Of a Gingivectomy/Gum Lift
There are a range of benefits you will enjoy after having a gingivectomy or gum lift performed, including these:
- Treats periodontitis or gum disease
- Removes diseased and damaged tissue
- Reduces the depth of gum pockets
- Improve the appearance of your smile and boosts your self-confidence
- Improves your ability to practice and maintain proper hygiene
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Gum Lift Procedure and Expectations
Surgeries are usually completed with a surgical scalpel, but in some situations PerioImplant Associates might use a low-frequency laser. Next, we carefully exam the soft tissue to identify the diseased tissue and ensure the appropriate amount of tissue is removed. Once this has been determined, the diseased tissue will be removed by making small incisions. The diseased and damaged tissue is trimmed and removed, the remaining gums are reattached in and around the teeth with sutures, and the area is cleaned with saline and special rinses. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the affected area and keep you comfortable during your procedure. A cosmetic gum lift follows the same steps except we will be removing unwanted soft tissue versus diseased tissue.
After your procedure is completed, if necessary, we will place a surgical dressing in and around the teeth and gums. This dressing is left in place for about a week. Mildly rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help in the healing process.
Gingivectomy or Gum Lift Aftercare
Following your procedure, it is beneficial to try to limit physical activity for the next three days as much as possible. You will probably experience some mild discomfort once anesthesia wears off. This can usually be managed by an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen. In a more severe case PerioImplant Associates may prescribe a pain reliever, which can be taken in conjunction with the NSAID analgesic. It is also common to experience some swelling after your gingivectomy or gum lift, especially in your lower jaw. This can usually be treated with ice packs.
Once you have completed your recovery, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with PerioImplant Associates to ensure your procedure was successful. If your gingivectomy was done to address gum disease, it is crucial to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed to begin with. Continue exercising good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule consistent preventative visits to PerioImplant Associates to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing further gum disease.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to design and provide you with the best service possible. It is often completely natural to be anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Embracing that, our complete team will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are extensively trained to address any oral health issues and dental concerns. We will share the aspects of your periodontal treatment, introduce our team, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a gingivectomy or gum lift procedure for you. We will greet you with smiles and send you home with a restored and healthy smile of your own that you will love to share.