What the change looks like
What is a gingivectomy?
Who may consider a gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is used for some forms of gum disease and may also be performed to improve smile appearance. Excess gum tissue can make normally sized teeth appear short.
[2]Does it hurt?
Is it safe?
Gingivectomy is a surgical periodontal procedure. The procedure is used to treat periodontal disease and damage caused by that disease.
[2]How long does it last?
What happens during a gingivectomy?
The operation removes gum tissue. Where teeth look short because they are covered by excess gum tissue, gum and bone may be reshaped to expose more natural tooth.
[2]What is recovery like?
Most people return to work or school in one or two days, keeping activity light. Hard or crunchy foods should be avoided for at least one week.
[2][3]| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First three to four days | Soreness, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity should fade[2][3] |
| One to two days | Many people can return to work or school with light activity[2][3] |
| About one week | Gums heal on average; avoid hard or crunchy foods for at least this long[2][3] |
What are the alternatives?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical option that removes plaque and bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets and smooths the root surface.
[1]What can a gingivectomy improve?
Removing excess gum tissue can expose more of the natural tooth, even the gum line, or make a restorative or cosmetic procedure possible.
[2]