Gingivectomy Surgery: What You Need To Know

The procedure is the total removal of a portion of gingiva (gum) from in and around a tooth or teeth in order to treat gum disease or to lengthen the height or width of a tooth or a section of teeth. It can be performed by a general dentist who has training in periodontal surgery. The procedure is more likely to be done by a periodontist. The Indian Dental Association defines a periodontist as specialist in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and structural diseases of the periodontal membrane or gums and related tissues that surround and support the teeth.

Another type of periodontal surgery is called a gingivoplasty. A gingivoplasty is different than a gingivectomy as the former only involves a partial removal of the gums (plasty). The latter removes an entire portion of a gum section.

The Indian Dental Association defines gingivectomy/gingivoplasty as a dental surgery wherein excess gum tissue is surgically excised. The underlying bone is not exposed. A periodontal dressing covers the teeth and gums post-surgery to protect them while healing. The patient may experience pain during the procedure, but usually not after. Occasionally dental veneers can be used as part of this procedure to help increase the amount of tooth show. The diseased tissue is trimmed and removed, the remaining gums are reattached in and around the teeth by sutures (stitches), and the area is cleaned with saline and special rinses. A local anaesthetic is used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure.

After the procedure is completed, a surgical dressing, or pack, is placed in and around the teeth and gums. This dressing is left in place for about a week. Swishing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help in the healing process.

Most patients can return to a normal oral care regimen in less than a month after the procedure. Routine check-ups with a dentist or periodontist will ensure that the surgery is a success. The dental professional who performed the surgery will probably want to follow up with visits every three months, and then at least a twice yearly preventive health visit to clean in and around the surgical site.