It is the technique that corrects the shape of the gum line. It is mainly used when there is a gummy smile and a large asymmetry in the shape of the gums. 
Smile Again
Gingivoplasty methods
- Diode laser; this is used when 1-2mm correction is required in cases of hyperplasia, but also for minor aesthetic corrections
- Surgical crown lengthening (removal of gum tissue and underlying bone). Used when a correction of >2mm is required
- Addition of gum tissue from another area of the mouth in cases of depletion of gum.
When is gingivoplasty required?
1. Soft tissue gingivoplasty
This is carried out when there is hyperplasia such as when taking certain medications (antiepileptic, immunosuppressive, and some types of antihypertensive).
In this case only hyperplastic gum tissue is usually removed. Today this procedure is best performed with the help of diode laser.
Gingivoplasty on soft tissue only with diode laser has a number of advantages over the classic method using a scalpel.
- Painless surgery
- Very little bleeding
- Minimal complications
- Rapid healing and rapid regeneration of the gums
2. Surgical crown lengthening
Crown lengthening for aesthetic reasons is the surgical technique that reveals the surface of the tooth, when it is covered by a large amount of periodontal tissue.
It usually occurs when the gums are largely seen in the smile, making the teeth appear too small or even when the portion of the tooth in the mouth is very small and the doctor attempts to enlarge it to use it for prosthetic restoration. The doctor creates a dental guide to delineate the gum line and studies the bone background to determine the technique to be followed. Either bone, gum tissue or both need to be removed.
3. Addition of gingival tissue
There are also cases where, for aesthetic or biological reasons, a quantity of gum tissue must be added. These reasons may be when patients have completed periodontitis treatment or have a thin gum biotype and have undergone a recession following mild injury.
In these cases, gum tissue may be transferred from another area of the mouth to the area where gums are deficient.
Healing after gingivoplasty
Healing and recovery is easy and quick and is completed in a few days after the surgery. If necessary, the dentist will prescribe painkillers to relieve possible discomfort and a special mouthwash to prevent infection.
After surgery, minor bleeding may occur, but it usually stops within a few hours. The patient should follow a diet of soft food to avoid irritating the gums.
In cases where laser is used, healing is easier and faster than the traditional method.
Cost of gingivoplasty
The final cost of gingivoplasty depends on the method used but also on the number of teeth included in this treatment.