Very professional and friendly office staff. Very professional and friendly office staff. My examination was very thorough and I was encouraged to ask any questions and reminded to call if I should think of any. I would recommend this practice to others based on my experience today
For patients with severe periodontal disease, Dr. Toms may recommend a gingivectomy. This procedure is used if other methods, such as scaling and root planing procedures, are not enough. With this surgery, the pockets of diseased tissue between healthy gums and teeth are removed while the gum tissue is reduced and reshaped. This is considered a last resort procedure after other methods of treatment have been tried. A procedure like gingivectomy is not a replacement for good hygiene and will only be completed if there are no other options.
When bacteria and plaque are not professionally removed with consistent annual visits to the dentist, then it will buildup around the teeth and can infect tissue below the gum line. The bacteria will eventually create pockets in the gum tissue. These pockets cause the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, leading to gum recession and a host of other issues, such as tooth or bone loss. Periodontal disease needs to be caught as soon as possible to keep it from spreading and causing major damage. Dr. Toms will assess your situation and decide whether or not this procedure is the right route for you.
The gingivectomy procedure is used to remove the bacteria after it has created pockets in the gums. It can involve reducing the gum tissue, which is not always ideal, especially for someone already dealing with gum recession. Once pockets of unhealthy tissue are removed, Dr. Toms will use a putty-like material to fill the empty spaces between the teeth. This putty helps the gum tissue to heal properly.
Generally, healing time for a gingivectomy is just a few weeks. During this time, Dr. Toms may advise you to stick to a diet of soft foods to ensure adequate protection for your gums. You may be sent home with specific instructions such as to avoid brushing or flossing the areas where the surgery was done.
If you think you need periodontal treatment, contact Dr. Toms to schedule an appointment and he will evaluate your situation. Early preventative care is always better than surgical remedies for advanced cases. Call our office at (513) 922-7300 today to get the help you need for a healthy and attractive smile.