Gingivectomy?

[KUMonkeyMomma]

Have any of you had this done? I have 2 teeth where the gum line is lower than my other teeth (one of the front teeth and one next to it going towards the molars). Even in my video it's still there at the end (it is now), and he said I could get that done at the end to even it out for aesthetic purposes. I'll also need some filing of teeth to even them out which I'm sure would be done before that too.

I'm just not sure what it all involves - I've seen some done with scalpels and some with laser. I'm not sure which my dentist (or a specialist if he isn't qualified to do it) uses - I'd have to ask. Which is more common, does one hurt more than the other or is the healing time faster with one than the other? Recovery time/pain the same either way, etc?

I'd love to get it done but if I'm going to have a lot of pain or not be able to eat and look funny for a few weeks I'm not sure. In my job I deal with the public often so a few days wouldn't be bad (I could take time off or stay in my office, etc) but not for weeks - and I'm self conscious as it is, but that would make it worse when dealing with our customers/clients, etc.


Any info or experiences you can give would be appreciated and helpful to help make a decision (and of course I'll ask my dentist too).

[drrick]

There typically isnt alot of post op discomfort with a gingevectomy (GV).

If bone recontouring is necessary then there can be some discomfort but a pure GV (gum only) typically is not bad.

Scalpel/laser/electrosurgery doesnt make that much of a difference in post op pain froom what I have heard.

[PinkPeep]

I just posted in another thread about this procedure. I recently had my social 6 done. I was slanted and low on one side. I had laser surgery by my regular dentist, it was pretty painless, not too unsightly and healed in a few days. He leveled and cleaned up the whole gum line for about $300. I am thrilled with the result and highly recommend it!

[drted]

Dear Worried:
You can become an expert by going to YouTube and search for "gingivectomy". "Gingivectomy surgury" will also be a choice. I prescribe this procedure for my patients when I am unable to correctly place a bracket; during treatment when the gums overgrow the bracket due to poor or infrequent brushing; after the braces are removed to give the teeth a "portrait" look as opposed to a 'landsacape" look. The procedure is not painful, not even the next day. If it is just take a few aspirin. A gingivectomy is most often done either by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. It take 5 -15 minutes under local anesthesia. They use an intrument that ends in small loop of material that looks like thin wire that when "activated" (by electric current) is capable of shaving the overgrown gums away without causing any bleeding. It may smell a bit like what it is... burning flesh. Prior to the procedure it is mandatory to eliminate all inflammation (redness, swelling) by excellent and frequent brushing for at least 7-10 prior to the procedure. Cordially...

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

Dear Worried:
You can become an expert by going to YouTube and search for "gingivectomy". "Gingivectomy surgury" will also be a choice. I prescribe this procedure for my patients when I am unable to correctly place a bracket; during treatment when the gums overgrow the bracket due to poor or infrequent brushing; after the braces are removed to give the teeth a "portrait" look as opposed to a 'landsacape" look. The procedure is not painful, not even the next day. If it is just take a few aspirin. A gingivectomy is most often done either by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. It take 5 -15 minutes under local anesthesia. They use an intrument that ends in small loop of material that looks like thin wire that when "activated" (by electric current) is capable of shaving the overgrown gums away without causing any bleeding. It may smell a bit like what it is... burning flesh. Prior to the procedure it is mandatory to eliminate all inflammation (redness, swelling) by excellent and frequent brushing for at least 7-10 prior to the procedure. Cordially...

Do you know if a Gingevectomy can be performed on a patients 1st and 2nd bicuspids as well as the 1st Molars? I've noticed my molars seem like there is too uch gum overlapping the teeth, Im not sure if the braces will bring the teeth down from the gums or if a Gingevectomy woulod be necessary.

[drted]

Dear Braced Surgery Student:
In a word...NO. If your the gums are swollen (inflammed) they will recede when you improve the frequency and efficiency of brushing. Mouthwashes will also help. If the gums are overgrown no amount of brushing will help. They must be reduced "surgically" http://www.drted.com/LaserGumTrimmingGingivectomy.htm. When a tooth is extruded orthodontically the gum line follows the tooth. In a word the anser to your question is NO. Dr. Ted Rothstein: www.drted.com

[BracedSurgeryStudent]

Oh thanks I was just wondering thank you Dr. Ted.

[saramwms]

Good info. I think I will need it done at the end of my treatment. Glad it isn't supposed to hurt too much.