Gingivectomy
Healthy gums that fit tightly against the necks of the
teeth are an important part of a beautiful smile. But
sometimes the gums grow
and extend onto the front surface of the teeth, disrupting
the natural balance between the length of the teeth and
the height of the gums. To restore balance to your smile,
we can perform a procedure called a gingivectomy or gum
reduction.
What is a gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is a relatively minor type of periodontal
surgery that involves the removal of a small amount of
gum tissue around a
tooth or several teeth. A gingivectomy might be necessary
to remove diseased tissue, allow a filling or crown to
be placed below the gum line, or to improve esthetics.
The procedure is usually fairly quick and typically involves
only a little postoperative pain.
The procedure
First, we make sure that all involved areas of the gums
are completely numb. We then carefully make a small incision
and remove the excess gum tissue. After a couple of weeks,
your gums will be completely healed.
A gum reduction procedure is a safe and predictable way
to remove excess gum tissue and improve the natural appearance
of your smile.
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| Healthy gums |
Removal of unhealthy tissue |
Regrowth of healthy tissue |
Periodontal Disease & Low Birthweight
Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll hear a lot
about how your health affects your baby’s health.
Now, researchers have discovered that women with periodontal
disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm,
low birthweight babies than women with healthy gums.
What is periodontal disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease, also called gum
disease, is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is the
sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly
on your teeth. If all of the plaque isn’t removed
each day, it builds up and mineralizes to become tartar,
also called calculus.
If tartar isn’t removed, it begins to accumulate
on the root surfaces. Bacteria that cause periodontal
disease thrive in tartar where they produce toxins. It’s
these toxins, combined with your body’s response
to them, that destroys bone around your teeth. Professional
help is required to remove tartar, because there’s
no way to remove it at home. A toothbrush or floss won’t
even budge it.
The link between periodontal disease
and low birthweight
Scientists believe the link between periodontal disease
and pre-term birth may be caused by the body’s reaction
to the bacteria in the
infected gums caused by even mild forms of periodontal
disease. Gums infected with periodontal disease are toxic
reservoirs of disease-causing bacteria. The toxins produced
by the bacteria attack the gums, ligaments, and bone that
surround your teeth, creating infected pockets that are
similar to large open wounds within your mouth. The infected
pockets provide access to your bloodstream, allowing bacteria
to enter and then travel throughout your body.
Your body reacts to the infection in your gums by producing
prostaglandins, a natural fatty acid that’s involved
in inflammation control and smooth muscle contractions.
During your pregnancy, the level of prostaglandins gradually
increases, peaking when you go into labor. According to
one theory, if extra prostaglandins are produced in response
to an infection in your gums, your body may interpret
it as a signal to go into labor, and your baby could be
born too soon and too small.
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| Bacteria cause periodontal
disease |
Periodontal Disease & Heart
Disease
Heart disease and your oral health
Researchers have discovered that you may be at increased
risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke if
you suffer from periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection
of the teeth, gums, and the ligaments and bone that surround
your teeth. Gums infected with periodontal disease are
toxic reservoirs of disease-causing bacteria. The bacteria
accumulate on the root surfaces of your teeth, causing
pockets of infection to form. The bacteria multiply in
these pockets, resulting in tender, red, swollen gums
that bleed when you brush or floss.
Bleeding gums can create an opening that allows harmful
bacteria in your mouth to enter your bloodstream. Severe
periodontal disease can be compared to a nine-square-inch
open wound around your teeth, offering plenty of opportunities
for harmful bacteria to enter your blood.
The link between periodontal disease,
heart disease, and stroke
Some research has linked the bacteria associated
with periodontal disease to the formation of blood clots
that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart
attack. These clots also cause fat-like substances to
build up in the carotid arteries in your neck. If these
fat deposits break apart and are carried away in your
bloodstream, they can lodge in your brain, block a blood
vessel, and cause a stroke.
Additionally, some studies have also shown that when bacteria
enter the bloodstream through infected gums in people
with certain kinds of heart problems, they can cause a
heart condition called infective endocarditis. This is
a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes the
sac around the heart to become inflamed.
Preventing periodontal disease for
your overall health
As you can see, it's vital to your overall health, as
well as your oral health, to keep your gums healthy. If
we determine that you have periodontal disease, we'll
suggest therapies specific to your condition, have you
in for more frequent professional cleanings, and work
with you to create a suitable at-home oral hygiene routine.
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| Microscopic view of plaque |
Your heart may be affected |
