Gingival enlargement is a condition in which the size of the gums around the teeth becomes abnormally large. Various factors, including genetics, medication, and systemic diseases, can cause it. Symptoms of gingival enlargement include red gums, difficulty cleaning, and bad breath. Treatment can help lower the risk of further damage to the gums and teeth.
The enlargement of the gums can be both cosmetic and functional. Functionally, the enlarged gums can make it hard to clean the teeth properly and increase the risk of periodontal disease. Cosmetically, the appearance of the enlarged gums can be aesthetically displeasing. Gingival enlargement is usually diagnosed with a physical examination of the mouth and by taking a medical history. The dentist may also order x-rays to look for any underlying bone problems.
Treatment for Gingival Enlargement
Treatment for gingival enlargement depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes, the condition may resolve independently if the underlying cause is treated. Often, scaling and root planning help address gum diseases, but if gingival enlargement is linked to a medication, do not stop or change that medication on your own. Talk to the doctor who prescribed it, since only they can decide whether a change is safe. Your dentist can share what they see in your mouth.
In other cases, the dentist may recommend a special cleaning procedure, such as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque buildup. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the overgrown tissue.
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1. Scaling
The first step in treating gingival enlargement is determining the underlying cause. If an infection is part of the problem, your dentist or doctor will decide whether a prescription antibiotic is needed.
This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line, smoothing the roots of the teeth, and cleaning any pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums.
Scaling does not cut away the extra gum tissue itself. It removes the plaque and tartar that keep the gums inflamed, often with an ultrasonic scaler (a tool that vibrates quickly to break up tartar). When the inflammation settles, the gums may shrink for many people. Scaling is often completed in one or two appointments.
If scaling treatment for gingival enlargement is not enough to reduce the size of the gums and improve their overall health, other treatments may be necessary. One option is periodontal surgery, which involves removing diseased tissue from the gum line and reshaping the gums to improve their appearance.
Other procedures, such as gum grafts or crown lengthening, may also be necessary if the gum tissue is severely damaged or if there is bone loss due to periodontal disease.
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2. Root planning
This procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing out any rough spots on the tooth root to reduce bacteria and promote healing. Scaling and root planing can reduce gum swelling and improve gum health.
Root planning can be an effective treatment for gingival enlargement. The procedure involves using a scaler to remove plaque and calculus from the root surfaces. A curette dental instrument is then used to smooth out irregularities, allowing better cleaning and improved gum health.
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3. Antibiotics
In some cases, a dentist or doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, for example when there is a gum infection. Gingivitis (gum inflammation caused by plaque) is usually managed with professional cleaning and daily brushing and flossing, not antibiotics. Antibiotics are available only by prescription and do not replace cleaning or other treatment. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, it may be taken by mouth or placed directly in the gum. Take only an antibiotic prescribed for you, as directed, and ask your dentist, doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Periodontal surgery is usually reserved for severe gingival enlargement, in which the tissue has become too large to be treated with scaling alone. Surgery may involve removing excess tissue, grafting healthy tissue into the area, or reshaping the existing tissue to promote better gum health.
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4. Surgery
Your dentist may recommend surgery to treat gingival enlargement. This may involve removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gums to reduce their size. Gum grafts may be used to restore lost gum tissue and improve the appearance of the gums.
This may involve removing excess gum tissue or reshaping the gums to improve their appearance and promote better oral hygiene practices. Surgery may also be necessary to remove any periodontal pockets developed due to gingival enlargement.
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Aftercare
It is important to note that while root planning can be an effective treatment for gingival enlargement, it is not necessarily a cure. Regular oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are necessary to maintain good gum health. Patients should also be aware that root planning may cause temporary sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure.
In conclusion, root planning can help many people with gingival enlargement. It involves using special instruments to remove plaque and calculus from the root surfaces and smooth out irregularities. However, it is important to remember that it is not necessarily a cure-all solution and should be supplemented with regular oral hygiene practices and dental checkups in Calgary NE.
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Patients should also be aware that root planning may cause temporary sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure. Ask your dentist or hygienist which brushing, flossing and home care routine suits your gums, and call if sensitivity or swelling gets worse instead of better.
Wrapping up
At the Port Dental Clinic, our dental team can check your gums and explain your options for gingival enlargement. If you need a gum specialist (a periodontist), your dentist can refer you.
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The clinic offers dental exams and professional cleanings, which can help patients with gingival enlargement keep their gums healthier. With regular care at the Port Dental Clinic in Calgary, gingival enlargement can often be managed, and your dentist will explain which treatment fits your situation.
See a dentist if your gums look larger than usual, bleed, feel sore or make cleaning hard. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing. For facial swelling with fever or a serious injury, go to an emergency department or call Health Link 811 (24/7 advice from a registered nurse). Otherwise, call the clinic at 403-345-1110.
Next step: Learn about professional teeth cleaning at The Port Dental Clinic in Calgary NE. We are open 7 days a week and accept new patients. Book online or call 403-345-1110.
