Gingivoplasty, Gingivectomy, and Crown Lengthening in Agawam, MA & Enfield, CT

When the teeth seem small in relation to the gum tissue, a "gummy smile" is the result. Using advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Fabiola Ramirez-Martinez can lower the gumline and the bone just beneath it to improve the appearance of your smile. When performed alone, gingival recontouring, also known as gingivoplasty, addresses only the gumline. When both the bone and gum will be addressed, crown lengthening is also included.

The procedure will be performed at NobelPerio in Agawam, MA or Enfield, CT using local anesthesia. The excess gum tissue will be removed and recontoured for a more appealing appearance. Once complete, your mouth will be disinfected to prevent complications during healing.

Gingivectomy is also a form of gum removal and reshaping; however, the procedure is most commonly performed to address the effects of periodontal gum disease. Gingivectomy may be performed at NobelPerio to treat gingivitis, a bacterial infection, or to repair damage caused by aging or a gum injury. The procedure itself is very similar to that of gingival recontouring and involves the use of local anesthesia and advanced tools and technologies to precisely and safely remove and recontour the diseased or damaged gum tissue.

Generally speaking, the crown lengthening process involves removing gum tissue, bone tissue, or both to expose more of the surface of the tooth. This is commonly performed when a tooth breaks off at the gumline and more surface area is needed to repair the tooth. At times, gingival recontouring and crown lengthening are both necessary and performed together during periodontal treatments.

Crown lengthening is typically performed using local anesthesia. The length of time it will take depends on the number of affected teeth and the severity of the damage. Once the procedure is complete, your mouth will be sanitized and the incisions will be sutured.

Following the procedure, Dr. Ramirez may prescribe an antimicrobial rinse and oral antibiotic medications. You should carefully take the medications as prescribed until they are gone. You will need to reduce physical activity for the first 24 hours following the procedure and adhere to a liquid-only diet. Days 3 – 7 after the procedure, you can enjoy a soft diet of nutritious foods, like eggs, cottage cheese, and yogurt, while carefully avoiding the treatment areas during chewing. You should avoid spicy or salty foods during your recovery.

Patients should rinse, as directed by the NobelPerio team, with Peridex or Periogard in the mornings and evenings. In between these rinses, it is acceptable to rinse with warm salt water about every three hours. Do not brush or floss your teeth until instructed to do so by the treatment and home care instructions.

Common side effects include:

• Mild swelling
• Light bleeding
• Tooth sensitivity and tenderness
• Medicinal taste from Peridex or Periogard

Please call NobelPerio if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Severe, prolonged discomfort
• Excessive bleeding
• Persistent fever