Gingival Remodeling
It is possible that your gums are asymmetrical and uneven, and you may have issues with the height, thickness, or even the shape of your gums, leading to the development of complexes related to your smile.
In this situation, one can turn to dental surgery, specifically to gingival reshaping, which comes in two types: gingivectomy and gingivoplasty.
What is gingival reshaping?
Gingival reshaping aims to improve the appearance of the smile and make the gums symmetrical and healthy by removing excess gum tissue. The effect of gingival reshaping involves increasing the crowns of the teeth, making them longer and providing your smile with a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy, or gingival ablation, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a portion of the affected gum tissue or other accumulations, such as periodontal pockets – spaces between the teeth and gums where food and bacteria accumulate, hindering the maintenance of proper oral hygiene. Gingivectomy allows for the permanent elimination of pockets, bacteria, and ultimately, periodontitis.
This surgical procedure is typically recommended after the removal of dental braces, as braces make it challenging to adequately clean the gums, leading to chronic infections and inflammation.
Laser gingivectomy is often employed for congenital anomalies of the upper gums, specifically in cases where patients have teeth covered by an excessive amount of gum tissue, causing the teeth to appear much shorter than they actually are. In such instances, gingivectomy or gingival ablation is undoubtedly the ideal method to achieve the beautiful smile desired by every patient.
While gingivectomy was initially intended for the treatment of periodontal diseases, it is now also utilized as an aesthetic technique, increasingly chosen by patients seeking an impeccable smile.
Gingivoplasty
The second method by which gingival reshaping can be achieved is through gingivoplasty. Gingivoplasty is a treatment that allows for the reshaping of gum tissue and is performed in cases of gum deformities. The primary purpose of this procedure is to enhance the harmony between the gum line and the tooth crown. It is an intervention recommended especially for patients with issues such as asymmetrical or uneven gum margins.
Gingivoplasty is not only an option for patients with asymmetrical or uneven gum margins but also for those with abnormally short teeth, large gums, or a gummy smile. Gingivoplasty is often necessary to recreate the gum contour framing the teeth, particularly in the case of ceramic veneers or cosmetic crowns. This helps patients achieve the desired smile and the self-confidence that comes with a beautiful smile.
After undergoing gingival reshaping procedures, patients need to pay special attention to the foods they consume, avoiding hard foods that may impact the gingival area where the reshaping procedure was performed.