How Painful is a Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove excessive or overgrown gum tissue as a result of gum disease or a gummy smile. Excessive gum tissue can also be a side effect of certain medications or even genetics.
During a gingivectomy, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb your gums and make you more comfortable during the procedure. They will then use either a scalpel or a laser to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gun line. Sometimes, it is necessary to also reshape the underlying bone structure which may require minor incisions along the gumline. If your doctor uses a scalpel, they will close the incisions with sutures; if they use a laser, the tissue will be cauterized as it is cut and stitches will not be necessary.
The entire procedure takes between 30 minutes in an hour but could be longer if extensive work needs to be done. This is an outpatient procedure so you are able to return home right after treatment.
Recovery After Gingivectomy
The recovery process after a gingivectomy is relatively quick. You will likely be able to go home immediately following your surgery since only a local anesthetic will be used. As the numbing wears off a few hours after the procedure, you may experience more persistent pain which should be manageable using over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil. Your doctor will probably give you a round of antibiotics to take to prevent infection.
You will likely experience slight bleeding for a few days but the wound dressing that was applied after the surgery will help prevent excessive bleeding. This dressing should come off on its own after a couple of days but if it does not, your doctor will remove it at your follow up appointment.
Over the next few days, you may experience some jaw pain but a cold compress and warm saltwater can help ease discomfort. The saltwater rinse will also help keep the area clean and free of bacteria and irritating food particles. You will likely be advised to stick to a diet of soft foods to avoid irritation but a quick rinse with your saltwater after eating will help the healing process.
After about a week, any pain and soreness should subside and he will be able to resume a normal diet. If you experience ongoing pain or bleeding that does not stop, visit your doctor to make sure that everything is healing properly and that you have not developed an infection. Also be aware of any pus or abnormal discharge coming from your surgery site as this may indicate infection.
Pain is relative to the person experiencing it so your degree of discomfort may be minimal compared to others and vice versa. To ensure quick recovery and minimal discomfort, it is important to follow the post operative instructions provided by your doctor.
If you are interested in a gingivectomy for cosmetic or medical reasons, make sure you understand the process including healing time and directives given by your provider. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for a gingivectomy.