*5.2.1 Gingivectomy by electrosurgery*

Gingivectomy can be done using electrosurgical unit. It provides hemostasis and proper contouring of the tissue. Use of electrosurgery also facilitates easy tissue incision accompanied with a strong hemostatic effect [39]. However, it is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemaker. Any contact to bone or cementum has to

#### **Figure 11.** *Gingivectomy: measuring the pockets using periodontal probe.*

**Figure 12.** *Gingivectomy: marking the pockets using pocket marker.*

**Figure 13.** *Gingivectomy: incision given using Kirkland knife.*

**105**

**Figure 17.**

*Gingivectomy by electrosurgery: preoperative view.*

*Treatment of Gingival Enlargement*

*Gingivectomy: periodontal dressing given.*

**Figure 15.**

**Figure 16.**

*5.2.2 Gingivectomy by laser*

*Gingivectomy: postoperative view after 1 month.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82664*

be avoided as irreparable damage is caused. Needle electrode is used for removal of enlarged tissue. Festooning and shaping can be done using ovoid or diamond shaped electrode. Electrode is activated in concise shaving motion making brief contact with the tissues in cut phase. Prolonged contact will result in charring of tissue. A ball electrode is used for control hemorrhage in coagulation phase (**Figures 17–19**).

Soft tissue lasers are used for treatment of gingival enlargement. Commonly used lasers are carbon dioxide (CO2) and the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG), which have wavelengths of 10,600 and 1064 nm, respectively. Proper protection should be observed along with eyewear and avoidance of any reflective surfaces. The procedure is similar to that of electrosurgery. Laser tip is used instead

**Figure 14.** *Gingivectomy: after removal of excess tissue.*

*Treatment of Gingival Enlargement DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.82664*

*Gingival Disease - A Professional Approach for Treatment and Prevention*

**104**

**Figure 14.**

**Figure 12.**

**Figure 11.**

**Figure 13.**

*Gingivectomy: marking the pockets using pocket marker.*

*Gingivectomy: measuring the pockets using periodontal probe.*

*Gingivectomy: incision given using Kirkland knife.*

*Gingivectomy: after removal of excess tissue.*

**Figure 15.** *Gingivectomy: periodontal dressing given.*

**Figure 16.** *Gingivectomy: postoperative view after 1 month.*

be avoided as irreparable damage is caused. Needle electrode is used for removal of enlarged tissue. Festooning and shaping can be done using ovoid or diamond shaped electrode. Electrode is activated in concise shaving motion making brief contact with the tissues in cut phase. Prolonged contact will result in charring of tissue. A ball electrode is used for control hemorrhage in coagulation phase (**Figures 17–19**).
