Tartar buildup at the gum line and poor oral hygiene can develop into the advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Without timely resolution the infection and subsequent inflammation can cause your gums to recede from your teeth. This often forms pockets in the gum tissue near the roots of your teeth. This will slowly cause a loss of material in the bones that anchor your teeth in your mouth.
A gingivectomy surgery is one method of resolution for people with large gums that suffer from advanced periodontitis.
Most gingivectomy surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis and often require deep sedation. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you. It would also be helpful if you had someone at home for a day or two while you back on your feet.
During the gingivectomy the oral surgeon carefully removes a modest amount of infected gum tissue. This allows them to repair the area. The surgeon then adapts your gum tissue over the base of your teeth.
Afterward the surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help deal with any lingering systemic inflammation. They may also prescribe pain killers or anti-inflammatory medication to help deal with discomfort during recovery.
If you have gum disease, or receding gums and you are concerned that you might need a procedure to resolve it, please feel free to call us at 630-232-7400 to schedule an appointment.