A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue. It is used for two main reasons: to improve the look of a smile that shows a lot of gum, and to treat gum disease by removing tissue that traps bacteria. The first question your dentist will ask is which of these applies to you, because the goal, cosmetic or health, shapes the whole plan. Modern techniques, including dental lasers, have made gum reshaping more comfortable and precise than many people expect.
Key takeaways
- Gingivectomy removes or reshapes gum tissue for appearance or for gum health.
- For a gummy smile, it can make teeth look longer and more balanced.
- For gum disease, it removes diseased tissue and deep pockets that trap bacteria.
- It differs from crown lengthening, which also adjusts the underlying bone.
- Healing is usually quick, and lasers can reduce bleeding and discomfort.
Cosmetic or health: the first question
A gingivectomy done for looks and one done for disease share a technique but have very different aims. A cosmetic gingivectomy evens out or lifts the gumline so the teeth look longer and the smile more balanced, which is often the right fix for a gummy smile where the teeth are a healthy size but partly hidden by gum. A therapeutic gingivectomy removes overgrown or diseased tissue so the area can be cleaned properly and the gums can heal. Knowing the goal upfront is what makes the result predictable.
When is gingivectomy used?
A gummy smile
When healthy teeth are partly covered by gum, lifting the gumline can reveal more of the tooth and create a more even smile. This is a common cosmetic reason for the procedure.
Gum overgrowth
Some medications and hormonal changes can cause the gums to grow over the teeth. Reshaping restores a normal contour and makes the teeth easier to clean.
Gum disease
Where gum disease has created deep pockets that cannot be cleaned, removing the diseased tissue can help. This usually follows non surgical treatment such as scaling and root planing, and is part of managing gum disease overall.
Gingivectomy versus crown lengthening
These two procedures are often confused. The table below explains the difference.
| Procedure | What it adjusts | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivectomy | Gum tissue only | Gummy smile, gum overgrowth, shallow pockets |
| Crown lengthening | Gum and often a little bone | Exposing more tooth for a crown or filling, or a deeper gummy smile |
In short, a gingivectomy reshapes the gum, while crown lengthening goes a step further and adjusts the bone level as well. Your dentist decides which is needed based on how much tooth is covered and why.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is generally straightforward. The treated area may feel tender for a few days, and you will be advised to eat softer foods and keep the area clean while it heals. Laser gingivectomy in particular tends to involve less bleeding and a quicker recovery than older methods. Most people return to normal activities quickly, with the gum settling into its new contour over the following weeks. Good daily cleaning and regular checks protect the result and your gum health long term, as our guide to healthy gums explains.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gingivectomy painful?
It is done with anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful. Mild tenderness during healing is normal and usually managed with simple measures.
Will the gum grow back?
For a cosmetic gingivectomy on healthy gums, the result is usually stable. Gum overgrowth from medication can return if the cause continues, so the underlying issue matters.
How long does healing take?
Most of the healing happens over one to two weeks, with the final contour settling over several weeks.
Is it the same as a gum graft?
No. A gingivectomy removes excess gum, while a gum graft adds tissue to cover recession. They solve opposite problems.
Can it treat gum disease on its own?
It is one part of treatment, usually after a deep clean. Managing the disease and your daily cleaning are what keep the gums healthy afterwards.
The takeaway
Gingivectomy reshapes or removes gum tissue, either to improve a gummy smile or to help treat gum disease. The key is knowing the goal first, because that decides whether simple gum reshaping is enough or whether crown lengthening is needed. With modern techniques recovery is usually quick. To find out whether gum reshaping suits you, contact the team at Lumi Dental or see our current deals page.
