In a world where the benefits of smile design are often talked about, little is said about gingivoplasty as one of the dental treatments that could improve your smile design. It would be useless to have white teeth and veneers if the gum does not have the correct harmony with the rest of the teeth.
For this reason, it is important that you know the benefits of undergoing a gingivoplasty and how it works for improving your smile. However, do not forget that it is the dentist through medical consultation who can determine if you are really a candidate for this procedure.
What is the difference between a gingivoplasty and a gingivectomy?
Although both procedures are related to treating the gum [4], their goals are completely different. While gingivoplasty is dedicated to reducing the edges that outline the teeth for aesthetic purposes [3], gingivectomy is performed when there are periodontal problems affecting the health of the gum [7] and the injured part must be removed.
Gingivoplasty usually solves the following problems in patients:
1. Gummy smile:
meaning that the patient’s smile excessively shows their gums which detracts from the prominence of the dentition.
2. Irregular or asymmetrical gingival margins:
means that the contour between the gum and the tooth may have irregularities in certain areas that make it look uneven.
3. Short clinical crowns:
This treatment creates a visible crown lengthening and simulates more harmonious teeth that previously appeared short due to excess gingiva. It is recommended only in cases of thin periodontium [8].
On the other hand, gingivectomy is indicated to solve problems related to gingival hyperplasia, periodontal pockets more than 3 millimeters deep, gingival fibrosis, or any lesion caused by gum diseases [2].
How does a gingivoplasty work?
To perform a gingivoplasty, the dentist thoroughly cleans any tartar buildup between the gums and teeth. Then, he/she proceeds to grind the edges of the gums into the desired shape and local anesthesia is applied. When this takes effect, trimming of the excess tissue to reduce the excess gum [5] is started and the incision is sutured.
What are the benefits of a gingivoplasty?
When a patient undergoes a gingivoplasty, they perceive their teeth to be longer, larger, and less square than before the procedure. This makes their smile more esthetically appealing and more proportionate with the rest of the dentition [6]. It also makes you feel more confident to interact with people in your social circle without shyness.
What care should you follow after a gingivoplasty?
Some of the care you should maintain while you recover from a gingivoplasty would be the following [1]:
- Use chlorhexidine mouthwash 3 times a day for 7 days
- Maintain proper dental hygiene without injuring the incision
- Apply cold compresses
- Take care of the doses and timing of prescribed analgesics.
- Drink cool or cold drinks during the day
- Avoid eating too acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the gums
- A soft or semi-solid diet, which does not interfere with the treatment
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages. Also, avoid exposure to heat sources
You might be interested in reading also: 3 things you should know before a smile design
In summary
Gingivoplasty is a minimally invasive dental procedure that reduces the prominence of the gum in the patient’s smile design to give it balance and harmony. Its application is determined by the dentist in charge and it produces immediate changes in the smile.
To achieve a quick recovery, it is advisable to place cold compresses near the affected area, drink cold beverages, eat a soft diet for the first few days, avoid exposure to heat sources, maintain proper oral hygiene and do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
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Another post you might be interested in: What are dental veneers and what are they for?
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References
[1] Dentanet.org.uk. 2022. A Patient Guide to Gingivoplasty. [online] Available at: <https://www.dentanet.org.uk/public/gingivoplasty.html> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[2] Jewell, T., 2019. Gingivectomy: What to Expect, Recovery, Cost, and More. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/gingivectomy#recovery> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[3] Nall, R., 2020. Gingivoplasty: Cost, Procedure, Results, and More. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/everything-to-know-about-a-gingivoplasty#overview> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[4] Nidarsh Hegde, M. and Raksha, B., 2014. Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports ISSN 2347-9507 (Print) Gallium Arsenide Aluminium Lasers in the Value Addition of Smile. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mithra-Hegde/publication/275329902_Scholars_Journal_of_Medical_Case_Reports_ISSN_2347-9507_Print_Gallium_Arsenide_Aluminium_Lasers_in_the_Value_Addition_of_Smile/links/553770180cf218056e955afc/Scholars-Journal-of-Medical-Case-Reports-ISSN-2347-9507-Print-Gallium-Arsenide-Aluminium-Lasers-in-the-Value-Addition-of-Smile.pdf> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[5] Nidarsh Hegde, M., 2015. Gallium Arsenide Aluminium Laser in Esthetic Dentistry. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mithra-Hegde/publication/304605784_Gallium_Arsenide_Aluminium_Laser_in_Esthetic_Dentistry/links/58283ace08ae254c5085de7e/Gallium-Arsenide-Aluminium-Laser-in-Esthetic-Dentistry.pdf> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[6] Palomares, A., 2022. Gingivectomy Or Gingivoplasty, What Is The Difference?. [online] St’ John’s Health. Available at: <https://www.sjahs.org/gingivectomy-or-gingivoplasty/> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[7] Uofmhealth.org. 2020. Gingivectomy for Gum Disease. [online] Available at: <https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw146210> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
[8] Borro, I., 2021. Que es una gingivoplastia – Clínica Dental Dra. Borro. [online] Clínica Dental Dra. Borro. Available at: <https://draireneborro.com/gingivoplastia/> [Accessed 5 August 2022].
