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Gingivectomy

Specialized gum treatment designed to remove diseased tissue, eliminate deep pockets, and restore a healthier gum line.

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What Is A Gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue from around the teeth. It is most commonly performed when gum disease has caused the gums to become overgrown, infected, or pulled away from the teeth in a way that creates deep pockets where bacteria can collect and continue to cause damage.

A gingivectomy is not just a cosmetic procedure. While it can improve the appearance of a gummy smile, it is primarily performed to eliminate the diseased tissue and deep pockets that allow gum disease to progress.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically completed in a single appointment. Your Smart Dental Network specialist will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure so you feel fully prepared going in.

Here is what most patients can expect from the process at a glance:

45–60
Minutes typical procedure duration
1–2
Weeks typical initial recovery timeline

Why Patients Choose a Gingivectomy

Removes the source of the problem

Excess or diseased gum tissue creates pockets where bacteria hide. Removing it eliminates and stops the cycle of infection.

A healthier gum line

Beyond function, a gingivectomy reshapes the gum line so your teeth look more proportional and your smile looks cleaner overall.

Straightforward procedure with lasting results

Most patients are back to their normal routine within a few days, and the improvement to their gum health is long-lasting with proper care.

Gingivectomy before image
Gingivectomy After

When Is a Gingivectomy Recommended?

 
Your provider may recommend a gingivectomy if any of the following apply to your gum health or treatment plan.
 
 

Deep gum pockets

Pockets between the teeth and gums that have deepened due to gum disease and cannot be fully cleaned through non-surgical treatment alone.

 

Overgrown gum tissue

Gums that have grown over the teeth due to medication side effects, inflammation, or other conditions that affect the
gum line.

 

Gummy smile

Excess gum tissue that makes the teeth appear shorter than they are and affects the overall appearance and balance of
your smile.

 

Persistent gum infection

Recurring or chronic gum infection that has not responded adequately to deep cleaning or other non-surgical
periodontal treatments.

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What To Expect

Here is how the gingivectomy process typically works at Smart Dental Network.
  
Dentist preparing to exam a patient
1

Consultation & evaluation

Your provider examines your gum tissue, measures pocket depth, and reviews your periodontal history to confirm a gingivectomy is the right course of treatment for your specific condition.

2

Your procedure

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a single outpatient appointment. Your provider carefully removes the excess or diseased gum tissue and reshapes the remaining gum line to create a healthier and more functional result.

3

Healing & Integration

Your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions before you leave and schedule a follow-up visit to monitor healing and confirm the treated area is responding well.

Recovery & Aftercare

Here is what to keep in mind in the days and weeks following your gingivectomy.

First few days

Rest and swelling

Some swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding in the first 24 to 48 hours is normal. Stick to soft foods, avoid the treated area when brushing, and follow all instructions from your provider to support initial healing.

As directed

Medications and oral care

Take any prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics as directed and use any recommended mouth rinse during recovery. Avoid smoking or alcohol as both can slow the healing process.

Ongoing

Follow-up and monitoring

Your provider will schedule follow-up visits to confirm the gum tissue is healing properly and that the treated area is responding as expected before clearing you for normal oral hygiene routines.

Other Surgical Perio Procedures  

 
Explore the full range of surgical periodontal treatments available across Smart Dental Network locations.
 
 

Bone Grafting

A procedure that restores bone that has been lost due to gum disease, creating a stable foundation for the teeth and supporting long-term oral health.

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Guided Tissue Regeneration

A procedure using a specialized membrane to encourage the regrowth of bone and gum tissue destroyed by advanced gum disease.

Learn more →

Gum Grafting

Restores receded gum tissue by covering exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity and prevent further recession.

Learn more →

Periodontal Plastic Surgery

Reshapes the gum line to improve appearance and correct issues such as a gummy smile or uneven gum levels.

Learn more →

Ridge Augmentation

Rebuilds the natural contour of the jaw ridge after tooth loss to create a proper foundation for implants or restorations.

Learn more →

Ridge Preservation

Performed after extraction to prevent bone loss in the socket and preserve the jaw ridge for future treatment.

Learn more →

Sinus Lift

Adds bone to the upper jaw near the molars to create sufficient bone height for safe implant placement.

Learn more →
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Related Resources

 
From our resource center, helpful reading before or after your Gingivectomy treatment.
 
  
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