Gum Appearance and Gingivectomy
It’s important to love your smile. Smiling wide can improve your mood, self-esteem, and confidence. With that said, many people choose not to smile because of the appearance of their teeth and/or gums. If you have excess gum tissue (or a “gummy smile”) and you are worried about the way your smile looks, there may be an option to help to improve the overall look of your smile—a gingivectomy.
What is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a dental procedure that involves the use of surgical tools to contour the gums and remove any excess gum tissue. Often, this procedure is used to remove infected gum tissue due to periodontitis, but it can also be used to help with improving the smile of a patient.
Can It Be Used to Treat a Gummy Smile?
Yes! Gingivectomies are common and are a great solution for patients that have a gummy smile. The procedure is quick, simple, and effective. Along with removing your gum tissue, your dentist will also recontour your gums to ensure your smile looks healthy and natural. You’ll be able to show off more of your pearly whites after the procedure!
What is the Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?
The cost of a gingivectomy will depend on a few factors. One is the number of teeth that need to be treated. Generally, you can expect a single tooth to cost around $200-$400 out-of-pocket, but dentists sometimes offer reduced rates for patients that require multiple teeth to be treated. With that said, as gingivectomies are a common procedure, many insurance providers cover at least a portion of the procedure.
To get a better idea of the cost, you’ll want to schedule an appointment for an initial examination.
What Is the Procedure Like?
There are some general aspects of a gingivectomy procedure that you can expect. These include:
* Examination: The first step is to visit your dentist so they can determine the best course of action for treating your gummy smile. If they decide a gingivectomy is the right choice, you can set up an appointment for the procedure to be performed.
* Anesthesia: In order to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic.
* Tissue Removal: The next step is the actual removal of the excess gums. Your dentist may use a laser, scalpel, or electrosurgical instrument to perform the procedure.
* Contouring: Contouring your gums is a very important part of the process. Your dentist will make sure your gumline looks attractive and natural.
* Aftercare: It’s very important that you follow all aftercare instructions that are provided to ensure your gums heal properly.
The gingivectomy procedure is pretty short and will often last around 30 to 60 minutes.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to address your gummy smile, schedule an appointment with our dentist to take a look. They will determine the best procedure to address the issue. From there, we’ll schedule an appointment to improve your smile!