Gum plastic surgery (Gingivoplasty)

In the KiaDent Clinic of Author's Prosthetics, we perform gum plastic surgery — gently, painlessly, and without complications to restore both the aesthetics and health of your gums.

Gingivoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting gum contour defects caused by inflammation in periodontal tissues or mechanical injury.

In a healthy state, the gum consists of a non-mobile (fused with the periosteum, tightly adhering to the tooth necks) and a mobile part.

Full list of services for gum plastic surgery:

• Closed curettage of one tooth area
• Gum curettage
• Open curettage of one tooth area
• Incision or excision of the hood (in the wisdom tooth area)
• Surgical treatment of periodontal pockets (gingivectomy)
• Vestibuloplasty of the gum
• Frenuloplasty
• Flap surgery (for periodontitis) in the area of 1 tooth

Gingivoplasty is indicated for:

• gum recession, when the tooth root becomes exposed;
• soft tissue hypertrophy covering a large portion of the teeth;
• detachment of gum tissue with the formation of periodontal pockets;
• formation of a "hood" during difficult eruption of wisdom teeth;
• the need for gingivoplasty before implantation.

Gingivoplasty is contraindicated in cases of:

• viral infections in the acute stage;
• uncompensated diabetes;
• allergy to local anesthesia;
• blood clotting disorders;
• autoimmune diseases.

For Gum Recession

Tissue augmentation for gum recession

To restore the volume of soft tissues, depending on the clinical picture, one of the following operations may be performed:

• Vestibuloplasty. A procedure to correct the distance between the immobile gum and the mobile part of the mucosa. It is indicated when the mucosa volume decreases due to constant trauma from the tension of facial muscles.
• Frenuloplasty. A surgical procedure to correct the frenulum of the tongue or lips to eliminate a defect that leads to impaired blood circulation in the periodontium and gum disease.
• Transplantation. Gum tissue augmentation using a donor graft taken from the hard palate or its deeper layers.

For Periodontitis Treatment

Tissue removal in periodontitis treatment

Gingivectomy is performed — a surgery to excise pathologically overgrown tissues in the presence of periodontal pockets and an inflammatory process.

Depending on the clinical situation, the dental surgeon chooses the method of gingivectomy:

• Simple. All overgrown tissues are excised, leaving a 1 mm margin from the periodontal pocket.
• Partial. Only the affected parts of the periodontal tissues are removed. Periodontal pockets are cleaned (this operation is called gum curettage).
• Radical. Necrotized soft tissues along with bone fragments are excised.

Inflammation Removal

Inflammation removal (gingivitis, periodontitis, pericoronitis)

Two methods are used:

• Flap surgery. Performed for gingivitis or periodontitis. The dental surgeon separates the mucosa, forms a flap, removes the inflamed tissue, and fixes the flap in its original position. If necessary, the doctor uses a flap from another part of the oral cavity.
• Excision of the gum hood. Used for pericoronitis — inflammation of the tissue overhanging the erupting wisdom tooth. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.

After the placement of a dental implant, gum plastic surgery is recommended to restore the surrounding soft tissues. It addresses the following issues: recreating the aesthetic gum contour, ensuring bone nutrition around the implant, reducing the risk of peri-implantitis, and supporting the crown. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with the implant placement or a few days later.

Indications for gingivoplasty after implantation include:

• prolonged absence of a tooth, which has led to gum recession with alveolar ridge atrophy;
• thin mucosal biotype (preventing a lack of hard and soft tissue volume);
• mechanical damage to the mucosa during the insertion of the implant into the jawbone;
• excessive tension in the soft tissues after suturing;
• implant exposure after placement.

The recovery period after gingivoplasty ranges from 5 to 14 days. In the first few days after surgery, swelling and possible pain may occur. Postoperative symptoms gradually subside starting from the 5th day.

To ensure recovery without complications, follow these recommendations:

• for the first 7-14 days, avoid spicy, sour, and salty foods;
• consume finely chopped food (warm, not hot or cold);
• carefully maintain oral hygiene, using mouth rinses with antiseptics (especially after meals);
• refrain from smoking for at least 3 days after surgery;
• take the medications prescribed by your doctor (including antibiotics if prescribed);
• until the wound is fully healed, avoid brushing the teeth in the operated area, and do not use floss or an irrigator;
• limit physical activity, avoid air travel, and stay away from saunas/baths during the entire recovery period.

• What conditions are allowed after gingivoplasty?

  In the first 2-3 days, pain in the surgical area (easily relieved by painkillers), swelling, a temperature rise up to 38 degrees, and the discharge of serous fluid from the wound are possible.

• What symptoms require a visit to the doctor?

  Make an appointment with your dentist if pain and swelling persist for more than 5 days (and are gradually worsening) or if there is significant bleeding from the postoperative wound.