Gingivectomy
WHAT IS GINGIVECTOMY?
Excess or unhealthy gum tissue affects both the health of your teeth and the appearance of your smile. There is a precise solution for both.
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure in which a precise amount of gum tissue is excised to address either a clinical health problem or a cosmetic concern. At LUMI Dental in Boca Raton, gingivectomy is performed when excess gum tissue creates pockets that are difficult to clean, harbors persistent bacterial infection, or when gum overgrowth resulting from medication use or a hereditary condition obscures the natural tooth surface and creates an environment that is difficult to maintain.
The clinical indication for gingivectomy is typically the presence of gingival pockets that are too deep to be effectively cleaned by the patient or debrided during routine maintenance, but that are not accompanied by bone loss that would require a more extensive surgical approach. By removing the excess tissue wall of the pocket, gingivectomy reduces pocket depth to a level that can be maintained with routine home care and professional visits. The cosmetic indication is most commonly gingival overgrowth that creates an overly gummy or uneven smile appearance.
BENEFITS OF GINGIVECTOMY
- Eliminates deep gingival pockets that harbor bacteria and resist normal cleaning.
- Reduces the environment that supports recurrent gum infections and persistent inflammation.
- Improves the appearance of the smile when excess gum tissue obscures the natural tooth length.
- Creates a gum architecture that is more accessible to effective home care and professional maintenance.
- A well planned gingivectomy produces stable, long lasting results.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A GINGIVECTOMY TREATMENT?
A gingivectomy is performed under local anesthesia in a single appointment. The excess tissue is excised using precise technique and the wound margins are shaped to follow the natural contour of the tooth and underlying bone. A periodontal dressing may be placed over the treated area to protect it during initial healing. Recovery typically involves several days of tenderness and dietary modification. The tissue heals progressively over two to four weeks, with the final aesthetic result visible after healing is complete.
OUR APPROACH TO GINGIVECTOMY
At LUMI Dental, a gingivectomy is never performed without a thorough evaluation of the underlying clinical picture. We assess pocket depths, tissue quality, bone levels, and the likely cause of the gingival overgrowth before making a treatment recommendation. In cases where medication induced overgrowth is present, we also communicate with the prescribing physician about the possibility of substituting a less tissue reactive alternative. We plan the extent and contour of tissue removal carefully and review this with you before the procedure.
Your smile deserves attention today, not tomorrow.
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VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALFrequently Asked Questions LUMI Dental
What causes gum overgrowth that requires a gingivectomy?
Common causes include certain medications such as calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants, as well as hormonal changes, hereditary gingival fibromatosis, and chronic gum inflammation. We identify the cause as part of the treatment planning process.
Is a gingivectomy the same as gum contouring?
They are related but not identical. Gum contouring is typically a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gum line for aesthetic improvement. A gingivectomy specifically involves excision of tissue for clinical or combined clinical and cosmetic indications and may involve more extensive tissue removal.
Is a gingivectomy painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Post operative discomfort is expected for several days and is managed with prescribed or over the counter pain relief. Most patients find recovery straightforward.
Will the gum tissue grow back after a gingivectomy?
In cases of medication induced overgrowth, tissue may return if the causative medication is continued. In cases where gingivectomy is performed for pocket reduction or hereditary overgrowth, recurrence is possible if the underlying factors are not managed. We discuss this as part of your long term care plan.
How long is the recovery after a gingivectomy?
The gum tissue heals progressively over two to four weeks. During this period, we recommend a soft diet and gentle oral hygiene in the treated area. A follow up appointment confirms healing and removes any sutures or dressing placed at the time of the procedure.