November 7, 2017

A beautiful smile can boost self-confidence and raise the overall quality of life. Yet oral health is much more than a cosmetic issue. A healthy mouth also can help maintain your physical well-being. Gum disease may put your body at increased risk for other illnesses. For those with severe periodontal disease that does not respond to other treatments, Dr. Richardson may perform a gingivectomy. Read on to learn about this procedure.

When a Gingivectomy is Necessary

Your mouth has millions of germs that naturally live in it. Gum disease occurs when you have open wounds in your gums. These injuries and abrasions allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, where they raise the risk of developing other potentially serious and even life-threatening illnesses.

Dr. Richardson may begin treating gum disease with procedures such as scaling and root planing to help your gums recover. However, if gums do not respond well to these treatments, then a gingivectomy may be needed in order to deal effectively with serious periodontal disease.

The Gingivectomy Procedure

There are several steps involved in a gingivectomy, though probably fewer than you may think. It is an in-office procedure that does not require general anesthesia.

  • The area to be treated is completely numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • Small incisions are made in the gums, and excess diseased tissue is removed.
  • When all areas of diseased gum tissue have been taken out, a putty-like substance is placed on the gums. This material operates like a bandage to protect gums as they heal.

After this procedure, your periodontist may give you several safeguards to follow that will facilitate your gums’ healing. Complete healing should take a few weeks.

Schedule an Appointment

Having a beautiful smile is great, but having healthy gums is equally important. Dr. Heather Richardson is experienced in treating all of the stages of periodontal disease. She can explain the aspects of this procedure, and help you decide if it is right for you. Call the office of Denver Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Centennial, CO today for more information about our professional services. We can also help you schedule an appointment.

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