If you have a genetic condition that increases your production of gum tissue you may want to consider a cosmetic treatment like gingivoplasty. At Brite Smile Dental, with two locations in San Diego, including the Sorrento Valley area, the team of cosmetic dentists regularly provides state-of-the-art gingivoplasty for men, women, and teens. To see if you’re a candidate, call the offices or click the online tool to request your consultation today.
What is gingivoplasty?
Gingivoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves your Brite Smile Dental provider reshaping your gum tissue for aesthetic purposes. Gingivoplasty is typically performed in coordination with gingivectomy, a procedure used to eliminate excess gum tissue.
The team might recommend gingivoplasty if you have overgrown gum tissue or you’ve been diagnosed with gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Am I a good candidate for gingivoplasty?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for gingivoplasty, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with the team at Brite Smile Dental. Following an oral exam, review of your medical history, and discussion of your goals for treatment, the team can make recommendations that align with your individual needs.
That said, if you have receding gums, or you’re negatively affected by the physical appearance of your gums, and they regularly cause you to cover up your mouth when you laugh or smile, you’re probably a good candidate for gingivoplasty treatment.
What happens during gingivoplasty?
Prior to beginning your gingivoplasty, your provider administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums.
After the anesthesia sets in, your dentist uses a laser tool to carefully cut away any excess gum tissue. After removing all of your extra gum tissue, your dentist reshapes your gum line to a more aesthetically pleasing state. Finally, your dentist applies bandages and a putty-like substance to your gums in order to promote healing. If necessary, antibiotics such as ArestinⓇ or AtridoxⓇ may be applied to the area to combat gum disease.
Gingivoplasty using laser tools is much less painful than traditional scalpel-based gingivoplasty and also boasts a much quicker recovery time.
What is recovery like following gingivoplasty?
Following your gingivoplasty, your Brite Smile Dental provider walks you through a list of recovery instructions. Depending on the work done, they might also prescribe a round of antibiotics.
When the anesthesia wears off, it’s perfectly normal to experience some pain, swelling, and general discomfort. If the pain persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. You should also drink plenty of fluids and stick to eating soft foods like soup, apple sauce, and yogurt.
About a week after your gingivoplasty, you return for a follow-up appointment. During this appointment, your Brite Smile Dental makes sure your gums are healing properly. As you heal, continue to practice good oral hygiene and avoid smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco.
Don’t let the appearance of your gums negatively impact your self-esteem. Call the office or click the online scheduler to request a gingivoplasty consultation at Brite Smile Dental today.