Gingivectomy
A procedure in which excess gum tissue is carefully removed to create a more balanced and proportionate tooth appearance. It is one of the most commonly used treatments for a gummy smile.
Make the Gum Line Healthier and More Balanced with Gingivectomy
In some patients, the gum tissue may appear more than it should, create an irregular contour, or become periodontally problematic due to gum pockets. In such cases, gingivectomy can be considered for the controlled reshaping of excess or problematic gum tissue. The goal is not just to change the aesthetic appearance, but to bring the gum line to a healthier, more cleanable, and more balanced structure.
The gum levels, tissue thickness, and contour symmetry are evaluated to identify which areas need reshaping and how much tissue should be removed.
Whether the primary concern is cosmetic (gummy smile) or health-related (pocket reduction) is clarified. This guides the extent and technique of the procedure.
Excess gum tissue is carefully removed under local anesthesia. The gum line is sculpted to create a balanced, proportionate tooth-to-gum ratio.
After healing, the new gum line is assessed. If desired, follow-up aesthetic treatments such as veneers or whitening can be planned to complete the smile design.
What Is Gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy is the procedure of controlled reshaping or removal of a specific portion of gum tissue. This procedure can be considered in certain periodontal problems, gum excess, or situations where the gum line needs to be aesthetically reshaped. With proper planning, the gum contour can be made more balanced and the appearance of the teeth can be revealed more clearly.
It can be considered for gum excess, irregular gum line, certain periodontal pocket problems, or for aesthetic reasons.
Not exactly. Gingivectomy can be part of gum aesthetic procedures; however, it technically refers to specific tissue modifications.
No. The necessity is determined by evaluating gum health, tissue structure, aesthetic needs, and the relationship with the teeth.
Plan the Right Tissue Modification with a Detailed Evaluation
The most important aspect of gingivectomy is correctly determining in which area and to what extent the excess or problematic gum tissue actually needs to be modified. Because while the aesthetic need may be the priority in some patients, in other cases periodontal health may be more decisive. For this reason, the gum level, tissue thickness, contour, and smile line should all be evaluated together before the procedure.
- Gum levels and contour structure are evaluated.
- Tissue excess and periodontal needs are analyzed.
- The aesthetic harmony between tooth length and gum line is examined.
- Custom planning is done for a natural and balanced result.
Who Is Gingivectomy Performed On?
Gingivectomy is most commonly performed in gummy smile treatment (excessive gum visibility when smiling). The teeth are actually normal in size but appear short due to gum excess. With gum trimming, the tooth-to-gum ratio is adjusted and the true size of the teeth is revealed.
Besides gummy smile, gingivectomy can also be applied for equalizing gum levels after orthodontic treatment, in cases of gum overgrowth (a side effect of certain medications), and in cases where tooth length needs to be increased before crown placement.
Gingivectomy and Gum Recession Treatment: Opposite Procedures
These two treatments should not be confused. Gingivectomy cuts excess gum tissue (gum is reduced), while gum recession treatment replaces missing gum tissue with a graft (gum is augmented). The two are the exact opposite of each other and address different problems.
Aesthetic Treatments After Gingivectomy
After the gum level is corrected with gingivectomy, aesthetic treatments targeting the teeth themselves can be planned. A complete smile design is achieved by optimizing the shape, size, and color of the teeth with laminate veneers, zirconia crowns, or bonding. Teeth whitening can also be part of this process.
If gum levels are still asymmetric after teeth are corrected with Invisalign or braces, gingivectomy provides symmetry. For this reason, gingivectomy is one of the most common procedures within pink aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the questions we receive about this treatment and answered them as openly and transparently as possible.
It can be considered to reduce gum excess, reshape the gum line, bring certain periodontal problems under control, or improve aesthetic appearance.
Yes. It can be planned for aesthetic purposes especially in some cases where the gum line is irregular or the teeth appear short.
Appropriate planning is done with patient comfort in mind during the procedure. There may be short-term sensitivity afterward.
In some patients, tooth lengths may become more prominent as the gum level is adjusted. This can be part of the planned aesthetic outcome.
Yes. In suitable cases, the goal is to support not only the appearance but also the health and cleanability of the gum tissue.
In some patients, yes; in other cases, it can be planned together with gum aesthetics, bonding, laminate, or other periodontal procedures.
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Content Information
This page was prepared by the Dore Medical Editorial Board and medically reviewed by Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz, DDS, MSc.
