Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty – restoring the gum-to-tooth balance

A beautiful smile is primarily created by even, white teeth. However, we don’t always realise that the appearance of our gums greatly affects our smile as well. Sometimes, the gums cover too much of the tooth surface, leading to an unattractive smile. Fortunately, there is a solution: gum contouring.

Gingivoplasty (also called gum correction) is a surgical procedure performed on the gums. Developmental defects such as exposed tooth necks, overgrown or uneven gums, can be corrected if they cause practical or aesthetic concerns. In cases of gum recession caused by poor oral hygiene, such treatment is medically necessary, as exposed tooth necks can lead to pain and difficulty eating. When there is too much gum tissue, it often affects the aesthetics of the teeth.

Gingivoplasty is a specialised surgical procedure used in dentistry to treat irregular, asymmetrical gum shapes, for instance, overgrowth resulting from previous inflammation. This condition disrupts the pink-and-white aesthetic, where gums become too prominent concerning the short crowns of the teeth (the so-called “gummy smile”). Reshaping such gums helps restore the correct gum-to-tooth ratio and achieve a beautiful, harmonious smile. The procedure may also be required in cases of subgingival crown fractures or cavities.

Gingivoplasty – when it’s needed and how it’s done

Gingivoplasty in Kyiv not only allows excess tissue to be removed but also enables the reconstruction of missing areas, improving the shape and contour of the gums. Procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, making them completely comfortable for the patient. The gum surgery technique depends on the specific issue. Before the procedure, the following steps are taken: X-ray imaging, a detailed consultation with the patient, and an oral examination.

Every intervention is performed under local anaesthesia to ensure it is painless:

• Gingivoplasty. Its goal is to restore an aesthetically pleasing appearance and proper shape to the gums by achieving the correct proportion between teeth and gums. It is also performed in tooth loss, subgingival cavities, congenital defects, or damage caused by overly aggressive brushing. The procedure involves carefully removing the overgrown portion of the gum. The surgeon then reshapes the bone to maintain the correct contour of the gum line and finally sutures the site.
• Gingivectomy. This procedure removes overgrown gum tissue. It helps improve the smile’s appearance or eliminate pathological gum pockets. A scalpel, diode laser, or other specialised surgical instruments may be used.

The healing process after gum surgery can take up to a month. It is crucial to follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid complications.

Gingivoplasty – recommendations from the specialists at the ‘Sa-Nata’ network of clinics

Gingivoplasty is a procedure that requires appropriate hygiene afterwards. Follow your dentist’s recommendations to ensure smooth healing and prevent complications:

1. For the first 10 days after the procedure, avoid brushing the treated area.
2. However, it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene by using dental floss and alcohol-free mouthwash. Herbal rinses can also be beneficial.
3. After the procedure, it is advisable to take vitamins that support healing and maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
4. After some time, a follow-up appointment with your dentist will be necessary to check if everything is healing properly. D

o you need gingivoplasty? Don’t worry — if handled by professionals, you’re sure to get a beautiful, aesthetic smile. Schedule your appointment at a selected ‘Sa-Nata’ clinic, and soon, unsightly gum problems will be a thing of the past. You can contact us by phone or by filling out a special form on our website.