Gingivectomy (Gum Shaping)
What Is Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is the surgical cutting and removal of gum tissue. Enlarged periodontal pockets, drug-related or plaque-related gum overgrowth and aesthetic smile correction may be among indications.
Unlike gum contouring, it may include wider tissue removal and is assessed for suprabony pocket treatment.
Indications
Tissue volume may be reduced in hypertrophic gingivitis or gum enlargement related to medicines such as anticonvulsants and calcium-channel blockers. The gum line may be adjusted before crown or filling preparation. Aesthetic gingivectomy may be planned in mild Gummy Smile cases.
Gingivectomy alone may not be sufficient in deep pockets with bone loss; flap surgery may be needed.
Surgical Technique
The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia with scalpel, electrocautery or laser. Excess tissue is removed and haemostasis is achieved. Sensitivity or discomfort may occur afterwards.
Healing time varies by scope and personal factors; gentle hygiene is recommended. In drug-related hypertrophy, medication change is assessed only with the prescribing physician; recurrence may occur if the cause continues.
Difference from Contouring and Crown Lengthening
Gum contouring focuses mainly on line shaping and symmetry, often with minimal tissue removal. Crown lengthening may require bone-level surgery to increase clinical tooth length and create a restorative margin.
The suitable procedure is determined by pocket depth, bone anatomy and aesthetic goal.
Risks and Care
In thin gum biotypes, recession risk may increase after gingivectomy. Hygiene and regular review help limit recurrence; gingivectomy has a different scope from contouring or crown lengthening.
The aesthetic result is assessed after healing; permanence depends on care and the underlying cause. Healing time varies between patients.
Plaque control and scaling may be needed before the procedure; active inflammation can negatively affect the surgical result. Soft foods and gentle hygiene are recommended postoperatively; severe pain or bleeding should be reported to the clinician.
Electrocautery or laser use may help bleeding control; technique choice is case-based.