Gingivectomy

Periodontal disease is characterized by extreme gum infection that has spread to the bone. It is usually treatable by a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) or scale and root planing, but if this doesn’t bring it under control, then a gingivectomy may be necessary.

Overview

A gingivectomy is the most common treatment of type two periodontal disease. It is performed by first locating the bone level, and then trimming the diseased gums to match it. By reducing the height of the gums, the gingival pocket depth becomes more manageable and easier to keep clean.

The procedure

• Local anesthetic is given
• Just one section of the mouth is treated each visit
• All tartar and bacteria are cleaned from the roots of the teeth
• Small incisions are made above the teeth
• Diseased gum tissue is removed
• The incisions are then stitched and covered with a protective putty to aid in the healing process

Each procedure lasts between one and two hours, with healing time taking no longer than a week. You should be able to go back to your normal activities within a day or so, but should usually limit your diet to soft foods.

When the gums have healed, they are healthy and tight around the teeth. With proper care, recurrence can usually be avoided unless another health condition, such as diabetes, is sabotaging your health.

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If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area and are interested in learning more about a gingivectomy, contact Dr. DiStefano and Dr. Nguyen today. Drs. DiStefano and Nguyen can conduct a thorough examination of your dental condition and discuss this option with you in more detail.

Your dental health is a critical factor in your overall health - there's no time to lose!