Gingivectomies

Gingivectomies

What is a Gingivectomy?

Gingiva is the dental term for the tissue of the gums. The surgical removal of gum tissue is called gingivectomy. If your child has gum disease, also known as gingivitis, he or she will develop pockets in the gums that make the teeth and mouth hard to clean. When these areas around the gums get affected by calculus and plaque, bacteria, infections and tooth decay occur.

Dentists remove sections of affected gums before the gum disease can spread to the bone that supports the teeth. She removes the diseased tissue and reshapes it to prevent infections. Then Dr. Criss will thoroughly clean the areas under the area where the pocket walls were and smooth out the roots of the tooth. After this procedure, the gums can heal correctly and look healthy, too. Gingivectomy is common enough now that they are even done as cosmetic surgeries as well as to treat periodontal diseases.