Dental Terms

For extensive dental procedures or individuals with special needs, your dentist may recommend general anesthesia. It is administered by inhaling a gas that causes a medically induced coma and paralyzes most of your muscles. You are unconscious, feel no pain, and have no memory of the experience. You cannot breathe on your own and must breathe artificially through a tube supplied with oxygen or oxygen-enriched air (intubation).

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure to remove or reshape excess gum tissue around one or more teeth. It returns the gums to a more normal shape, making it easier for you to take care of your teeth and gums. It can also make your smile more attractive.

Medical reasons for a gingivectomy

Some gingivectomies are performed for medical reasons. You may need a gingivectomy if you develop enlarged gums. This can be caused by certain types of medications (such as some anti-seizure medications), or other medical conditions.

Failure to undergo a gingivectomy, or an appropriate alternative treatment, can affect your ability to perform good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Cosmetic reasons for a gingivectomy

Dentists also perform gingivectomies for cosmetic reasons, some of which are genetic. Asymmetrical gum tissues can negatively affect the appearance of your smile.

It is common to have one or more teeth that appear to be submerged in gum tissue, as though the tooth or teeth did not fully erupt. By removing gum tissue, these teeth can appear larger and more aligned with your other teeth.

Recontouring the gum tissue is a simple procedure, and the results can make great improvements to your smile.

After the treatment

With a gingivectomy, there is a risk of post-surgical pain, infection, and swelling. Generally, these symptoms are minor and can be managed effectively using pain relievers and antibiotics. Always follow your dentist's advice when taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication.

Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. Like tooth decay, it can be reversed with early detection, proper oral hygiene and appropriate treatment by your dentist. Gingivitis is most often caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line. It is important to learn how to detect and stop the progression of gingivitis.

The habit of grinding or clenching your teeth can affect your teeth while you are awake or asleep. Long-term or severe grinding or clenching can lead to tooth, jaw muscle, and jaw joint damage.

Some of the contours of your abutment teeth are flattened to allow a better fit and retention of a partial denture's framework to the teeth. This reduces food accumulation between the framework and the abutment teeth. Guide planes also help for easier insertion and removal of the denture.

Guided tissue regeneration is a surgical procedure that eliminates jawbone defects caused by periodontal disease. These defects include bone depressions or gaps around or between tooth roots. Untreated, these defects can lead to premature tooth loss. The goal of this procedure is to create a healthy, stable environment for the affected tooth.

What to expect

Before the procedure your dentist will review your dental and medical history. If your dentist has concerns, they may need to consult with your physician. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics that you will need to take prior to the procedure.

During the procedure, your dentist will:

• Administer a local anesthetic.
• Remove any unhealthy bone and/or gum tissue.
• Perform scaling on the affected tooth roots.
• Etch the surface of the tooth root with a mild, biocompatible acid.
• Apply local antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Place powdered bone into the defect.
• The defective area may be covered with a barrier membrane. This protects the surgical site from infection and the growth of undesired soft tissue into the treated areas. A barrier membrane typically dissolves on its own, but some may need to be removed by your dentist at a later date.
• Perform a procedure called a soft tissue graft if it is determined that grafting healthy soft tissue into the surgical site is necessary.
• Reposition the gums over the bone graft and carefully protect it with a splint during the early healing phase.
• Give you post-operative care instructions. You may be asked to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or pain-relief medications depending on your unique health circumstances.

After you have fully healed from the procedure, your dentist will re-assess the treated area. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions for care and have your dentist continue to monitor the area.

A variety of factors can cause your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth to become discolored. Redness is typically caused by inflammation due to oral disease. Black, grey, or white spots can be caused by medical conditions such as oral cancer, immune disorders, and other conditions. Other factors known to change the color of your gums include tobacco, face or mouth trauma, and some medications for contraception, high blood pressure, cancer, acne, or immune system disorders.

Gums are the soft tissue that covers the jaw bone and surrounds the roots of the teeth.