Flap surgery or gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed on a patient to repair tissue damage in their mouth. In the procedure, the dentist takes healthy tissue from some other part of the body and puts it into some other part.
In gum diseases, gingivectomy is used to correct gum diseases. When a patient receives surgery, it can take about a week for the recovery to take place. Furthermore, the results are reliable and usually permanent.
There are many skilled family and cosmetic dentistry in Jackson Heights who offer such surgeries. Sometimes, there can be overgrown tissues that need to be removed because it can affect a person’s teeth appearance.
Residents in Jackson Heights are aware of how important it is to keep their teeth in healthy condition. Therefore, residents should seek oral treatment on time and go for regular checkups to eliminate any possible problems.
What are the different types of gingivectomy?
Primarily, there are two types of gingivectomy:
- Traditional gingivectomy
- Laser gingivectomy
Let us briefly discuss the two surgical procedures:
● Traditional gingivectomy:
Surgeons make use of a scalpel, which is a sharp-edged tool that removes the excess tissue from the patient’s mouth. Furthermore, in some cases, they may also need to get rid of some small amount of bone. Then the use of stitching is put to use to stop the bleeding.
● Laser gingivectomy:
A laser is used to remove excess tissues from the gums. Lasers have the dual purpose of removing and sealing tissues, so you may not need stitching here.
How do you know if you are the candidate for gingivectomy?
There are several factors that can be taken into consideration to figure out if you need this surgery. Let us look at some of them:
- A person who has gingivitis.
- Having periodontitis.
- A type of smile that may make your teeth look small or short.
- Certain areas in your mouth where you notice receding gums, expose much of your teeth.
- Someone who is using braces and some other oral appliances.
- Having some tooth that is positioned wrongly in your mouth. It increases the chances of getting extra gum tissues.
Amlodipine and cyclosporine are some of the medications that can also increase the gum tissue in your mouth. Therefore, in such cases, you may need a gingivectomy.
If you notice swelling when using such medicines, immediately consult your healthcare professional. Please do not assume that it is expected; your gum tissues might grow while you make assumptions.
What is the step-by-step procedure involved in gingivectomy?
There are several steps that complete the surgery; let us discuss them one by one:
● Giving anesthesia to the patient:
Since it is a surgical procedure, your dentist can make use of local anesthesia to numb your gums. It is done to ensure there is no compromise in the comfort level of the patient. They may also give some medications in order to help them remain calm and relaxed.
● Removing the extra gum tissues:
The dentist will use the laser or scalpel (traditional gingivectomy) to remove those extra tissues from your gums.
● Reshaping your gums
Once the removal of extra tissues is done by the professional, they try to bring your gums back in shape so that they do not look odd and remain proportionate.
● Putting stitches to stop extra bleeding.
As we discussed earlier, if it is a traditional gingivectomy, the dentist will use stitches to stop the bleeding and close those incisions. However, if you are opting for laser surgery, then stitches are not needed.
Extra gum tissue? Contact a professional!
It is important to seek timely intervention to reduce the chances of further oral complications. Professionals can thoroughly examine your teeth and tell you if you need the surgery. Furthermore, if they think you do not require surgery, they will let you know about that, too.