Achieve a Balanced Smile

Do you feel self-conscious about a "gummy smile" or have concerns about excess gum tissue affecting your oral health? A gingivectomy is a safe and effective procedure performed to reshape excess gum tissue and reveal a more balanced and attractive smile while also addressing important functional needs.

Why Would I Need a Gingivectomy?

• You have a "gummy smile" that makes your teeth appear short and disproportionate. 
• You have excess gum tissue can make it difficult to clean your teeth effectively, increasing the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontal disease. 
• You need to prepare your gum line for the placement of dental crowns, bridges, or dentures to ensure the right fit and best aesthetics.

During a gingivectomy, our team will remove your excess gum tissue to expose more of your tooth’s structure. Because your comfort is our priority, here's a closer look into what you can expect during your procedure:

1. First, we administer local anesthesia to numb the area, so you will feel minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.
2. We will then use a specialized dental laser to precisely remove the excess gum tissue. The laser's focused beam allows for greater accuracy and minimizes bleeding.
3. After your treatment, we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to care for your gums after the procedure.

The Benefits of Laser Treatment

• Highly precise gum tissue removal that minimizes the impact on your surrounding tissues.
• Laser technology cauterizes as it cuts, which results in minimal bleeding during and after your procedure.
• The use of a laser promotes faster healing and reduces any post-operative discomfort.

For Appearance

For patients whose smile exposes a lot of gum tissue, a gingivectomy can reshape gum lines and elongate the visible part of the tooth, providing a more proportional and attractive smile. If more extensive gum recontouring is necessary, Esthetic Crown Lengthening may be indicated.

For Function

A gingivectomy may be performed to remove thickened or overgrown gum tissue caused by the use of some medications that treat blood pressure, seizures, or anti-rejection medications used by transplant recipients.

For Oral Health

Gum disease develops when plaque spreads below the gum line and causes the tissue and bone that support the teeth to decay. A gingivectomy can be performed to shrink deep gum pockets that may harbor bacteria, when no bone loss is present, to improve both oral and overall health. If bone loss is present with deep pockets, Pocket Reduction or LANAP may be indicated.

Let’s Prioritize Your Gum Health

We use the best and the latest technology to give you the most comfortable and effective treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Malloy or Dr. Ferrin.

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Is a gingivectomy painful? 

We give our patients local anesthesia to numb the area so they don’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Some mild discomfort is expected after the anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. We also use laser as it has been reported to be less invasive than traditional gingivectomy surgeries.

How long will I need to recover? 

You will likely be able to return to your normal activities just days after your procedure. Because laser technology promotes faster healing, recovery after a laser gingivectomy is often quicker than with traditional methods. 

Is a laser gingivectomy covered by insurance? 

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of a gingivectomy, especially if it’s medically necessary. We’ll help you determine your insurance coverage and assist with any necessary paperwork.

How is laser gingivectomy different from traditional gingivectomy? 

A traditional gingivectomy uses a scalpel to remove your excess gum tissue. Laser, on the other hand, uses a dental laser for greater precision, reduced bleeding, and often faster healing.

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