Changes

#A beveled incision, using either a scalpel blade (No. 11 or 15) or electrosurgery is made, joining the bleeding points and recreating the scalloped edge of the normal gingival anatomy. The beveled incision is directed towards the base of the pocket or to a level slightly coronal to the apical extension of the junctional epithelium. When using electrosurgery the operator should allow for a 1 mm slough postoperatively. The electrode should be activated at the minimal effective setting in cut mode and stroked across the [[gingiva]] at the required angle. The cut surface should be pink and not bleeding if the setting is correct. Blanched tissue indicates that the setting is too high and should be reduced. To avoid overheating the tooth the electrode should not be applied to the gingiva around the same tooth for more than 5 seconds.

#A beveled incision, using either a scalpel blade (No. 11 or 15) or electrosurgery is made, joining the bleeding points and recreating the scalloped edge of the normal gingival anatomy. The beveled incision is directed towards the base of the pocket or to a level slightly coronal to the apical extension of the junctional epithelium. When using electrosurgery the operator should allow for a 1 mm slough postoperatively. The electrode should be activated at the minimal effective setting in cut mode and stroked across the [[gingiva]] at the required angle. The cut surface should be pink and not bleeding if the setting is correct. Blanched tissue indicates that the setting is too high and should be reduced. To avoid overheating the tooth the electrode should not be applied to the gingiva around the same tooth for more than 5 seconds.

#The incised tissues are removed using  a [[Dental Scaling Equipment|curette or a scaler]]. Remaining tissue tags are cut with a curette or a pair of scissors.

#The incised tissues are removed using  a [[Dental Scaling Equipment|curette or a scaler]]. Remaining tissue tags are cut with a curette or a pair of scissors.

#Hemorrhage is controlled with gauze swabs and digital pressure. The [[Enamel Organ#Crown|crown]] and exposed [[Enamel Organ#Root|root]] surfaces are then scaled and polished.

#Hemorrhage is controlled with gauze swabs and digital pressure. The [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Crown|crown]] and exposed [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Root|root]] surfaces are then scaled and polished.

The postoperative phase is uncomfortable and [[Analgesia for Oral Disease|analgesics]] are indicated for the first few days. The healing of a gingivoplasty wound is similar to that of a simple soft tissue wound. Plaque control is important to ensure adequate healing.  

The postoperative phase is uncomfortable and [[Analgesia for Oral Disease|analgesics]] are indicated for the first few days. The healing of a gingivoplasty wound is similar to that of a simple soft tissue wound. Plaque control is important to ensure adequate healing.