What is a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a simple and easy oral surgery procedure to remove excessive or overgrown gum tissue, or gingiva. Your dentist uses a gingivectomy to treat the various stages of periodontal disease, or gum disease. Gingivectomy is also a common and popular cosmetic dentistry procedure to correct a gummy smile, which is when excessive gum tissue skews the balance between teeth and gums, makes your teeth look short or boxy.

Are You a Candidate for a Gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy procedure could be beneficial for you if you have:

  • Gingivitis or periodontitis.
  • A gummy smile that makes your teeth appear too short.
  • Periodontal pockets, or gaps, where your gums have pulled away from your teeth.
  • Braces or other orthodontic appliances.
  • Tooth malposition when the position of a tooth results in excess gum tissue.

Some medications may also result in excessive gum tissue. Two common and frequent examples include amlodipine for high blood pressure or cyclosporine used as an immunosuppressant. If you develop swollen puffy gums after starting a particular medication, tell your dentist. They may be able to recommend switching medications or changing your dosage.

The Benefits of a Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy provides an assortment of benefits:

  • It will remove excess or overgrown gum tissue.
  • It fixes a gummy smile.
  • Stops, reduces, and removes harmful oral bacteria.
  • Decreases periodontal gaps or pockets around your teeth.
  • It can make your brushing and flossing more effective because it helps with hard-to-reach areas.
  • Helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Types of Gingivectomy

There are two primary types of gingivectomy:

  • Traditional gingivectomy- A dentist can use a scalpel to remove any excess gum tissue. Sometimes they might need to remove a small amount of underlying bone. They may use sutures to close any incisions.
  • Laser gingivectomy- A dentist will now use a handheld laser to remove excess gum tissue. Since a laser also cauterizes, or seals the gum tissue, you will not need sutures.

The Gingivectomy Procedure

Here are the typical steps you can expect during your gingivectomy procedure:

  • Anesthesia- Before beginning, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area of your gums. If discussed, a sedative could be added to help you relax.
  • Removal of excess gum tissue- Using either a scalpel or laser, your dentist will remove the excess or overgrown gum tissue.
  • Gum reshaping- Once your dentist has removed the excess gum tissue, they will reshape your gums. This ensures that your gums are proportionate to your teeth.
  • Bone reshaping- In some situations, your dentist might need to reshape the underlying bone. To accomplish this, they will need to make a small incision along your gum line.
  • Stitches- Your dentist will use sutures to close any incisions and stop the bleeding. If you are having laser gingivectomy, this step is not necessary.
  • Dressing- Your dentist may place a soft putty over the surgical area to help protect it. This dressing usually falls out on its own. If it does not, your dentist will simply remove it at your first follow-up appointment.

You can expect to have some minor discomfort following your gingivectomy. Most often you can manage the discomfort and other side effects with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?