Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy removes excess or diseased gum tissue when the anatomy creates a clinical problem that cannot be resolved through cleaning or medication alone. The result is healthier tissue, shallower pockets, and gum margins that sit at the right level relative to the teeth. The most common indications fall into a few categories. Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia (enlargement of the gum tissue as a side effect of certain blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, or immunosuppressants) creates pockets that trap bacteria and are impossible to clean adequately. Gingivectomy removes the excess tissue and restores a cleaner tissue architecture. Persistent pockets that remain after scaling and root planing, and that have not responded to conventional maintenance, can be reduced surgically to bring the pocket depth within a manageable range. Cosmetic asymmetry, such as gum margins at different levels, uneven display, or tissue that sits too low and makes teeth appear short, can be refined to create better proportions. We perform most gingivectomies with our diode laser rather than a conventional scalpel. The laser seals tissue as it works, which means significantly less intraoperative bleeding, less post-operative swelling, and a faster recovery compared to traditional techniques. Sutures are often unnecessary for laser procedures. Most patients describe the post-operative experience as mild — some sensitivity for a few days and soft-diet guidance, but not the extended healing associated with conventional gingival surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. For patients with dental anxiety, the laser approach is considerably less intimidating than scalpel surgery, and the absence of bleeding changes the experience meaningfully. The tissue response is typically visible within a few weeks as the swelling fully resolves and the new gum margin heals in place.