Gingivectomy Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Gingivectomy Washington DC & Alexandria VA
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to address oral health concerns, for cosmetic purposes, or to provide improved accessibility and visibility for your periodontist to remove calculus and smooth the roots of your teeth, which can help facilitate gingival healing and restore your gingival contour to its ideal shape. Similar in nature to crown lengthening (a gingivectomy does not require the removal of bone to achieve the same result), a gingivectomy involves the removal of a portion of gum tissue around the tooth, typically to correct periodontitis.
If your periodontist has recommended you have a gingivectomy to address periodontitis, it is important to schedule the procedure as soon as possible. If left untreated, gum disease can cause a number of issues to develop, including the decay and deterioration of your jawbone, and/or the loss of teeth. In addition to these oral health concerns, an increasing number of studies indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can lead
to systemic inflammation, which will increase your risk of developing serious health issues, such as dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or heart disease.
If you currently have gum recession that is the result of bacterial infections, gingivitis or periodontitis, gum injury, or aging, you may be a good candidate for a gingivectomy. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the gingivectomy procedure or other treatment options for gum disease, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Dr. Zalewsky
Dr. Justin Zalewsky, a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry, then went on to Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry where he received his Certificate of Periodontology and Oral Implantology.
Dr. Daru
Dr. Antara Daru, a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, then went on to University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dentistry where she received her Masters of Science in Oral Biology and Certificate in Periodontology and Oral Implantology.
Benefits of a Gingivectomy
There are a range of benefits you will enjoy after having a gingivectomy performed, including the following:
- Improve the appearance of your smile and boosts your self-confidence
- Improves your ability to practice and maintain proper hygiene
- Reduces the depth of gum pockets
- Removes diseased tissue
- Treats periodontitis
Gingivectomy Expectations
The gingivectomy procedure will be performed with a scalpel or low-frequency laser. Prior to the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure that you experience no discomfort. Next, a careful examination will be conducted to identify the diseased tissue and ensure the appropriate amount of tissue is removed. Once this has been determined, the diseased tissue will be removed by making small incisions. Once the diseased tissue has been removed, the gums will then be reattached and the area will be cleaned, and bandages will be placed on the area to protect your gums. Following this, your gingivectomy will be complete!
Gingivectomy Aftercare
Following your gingivectomy, it is important to try to limit activity for the next three days as much as possible. Patients will typically experience mild discomfort once anesthesia wears off. This can typically be managed by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen. In more severe cases, narcotic medication may be prescribed, which can be taken in conjunction with the NSAID analgesic. It is also common to experience swelling after your gingivectomy, especially in your lower jaw. This can generally be treated with ice packs and in combination with an NSAID analgesic.
Once you have completed the recovery process, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your periodontist to ensure the procedure was successful. If your gingivectomy was performed to address periodontal disease, it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis.
Gingivectomy Cost
The cost of your gingivectomy will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts CareCredit, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office or you can apply online at www.carecredit.com.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for a gingivectomy, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!