Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy cuts away excess or diseased gum tissue; it is used to correct a gummy smile, eliminate periodontal pockets and recontour an irregular gum line.
- For gummy smile
- Laser-assisted, minimally invasive
- Quick recovery
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Gingivectomy cuts away excess or diseased gum tissue, which is the opposite direction of travel from reconstructive gum surgery, where tissue is rebuilt. In most cases the excess has a cause that is not the gum itself. Screening 3,609 records and including 349 studies, a systematic review linked phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine A and fixed orthodontic appliances to gingival enlargement, with poor oral hygiene the most consistent risk factor across the evidence (PubMed 42260319). The same review found oral hygiene instruction and professional mechanical plaque removal effective at improving enlargement, so cutting is not automatically the first step.
- 01The gum margin rebounds after the cut. In a review of five clinical trials and one controlled animal trial of pre-restorative crown lengthening, crown length increased by an average of 1.4 to 3.3 mm at six months, and most of the rebound occurred within the first three postoperative months (PubMed 27535216). If crowns or veneers are planned, that interval sits between the surgery and the impression, which matters when the whole plan is compressed into one trip.
- 02What the laser has been shown to improve is comfort, not outcome. Across seven randomised trials in orthodontically induced gingival enlargement, diode laser gingivectomy produced significantly less intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and pain than scalpel surgery and non-surgical therapy, on studies carried at high risk of bias (PubMed 37738371). It is a reason to expect an easier recovery, not a reason to expect a different result.
- 03In drug-influenced enlargement, plaque matters as much as the drug. The same review found significantly higher risk on cyclosporine A than on tacrolimus, judged oral hygiene instruction and professional mechanical plaque removal necessary in patients starting or continuing these drugs, and listed systemic azithromycin or a change of the offending medication as adjunct options (PubMed 42260319).
- 04The three procedures differ by the direction of the cut: gingivectomy removes excess tissue, reconstructive gum surgery rebuilds tissue that has been lost, and periodontal flap surgery lifts tissue to reach the root and bone.
/ Gingivectomy overview and indications
Gingivectomy, a surgical procedure often used in dentistry, is the process of surgical removal of gum tissue. Gingivectomy can be performed for different reasons, such as treating various gum problems, especially correcting the gum line or adjusting the length of the teeth. Gingivectomy procedure can be applied to provide better access to the root surface of the tooth or for aesthetic concerns. Gingivectomy, which is usually performed under local anesthesia, is a comfortable and practical method.
Gingivectomy is a dental procedure that should be performed by specialist dentists. The gingivectomy procedure is planned and performed in accordance with the patient's needs and general health condition. Thus, it is possible for patients to achieve a healthy gum structure and achieve aesthetically satisfactory results.
Some of the cases in which gingivectomy, a surgical intervention for various dental and gum problems, is performed, are listed below:
- Thanks to gingivectomy, which is a method often used in the treatment of gum diseases, redness, swelling and infections in the gum pockets can be controlled.
- Irregularities in the gum line may occur depending on genetic factors or the teething process. With gingivectomy, these irregularities can be corrected and a more aesthetic gum line can be obtained.
- In cases of excessive growth in the gum line or gum recession, adjusting the tooth length with the gingivectomy procedure can be provided to give the teeth a more balanced and aesthetic appearance.
- Gum pockets may form with the progression of gum diseases. With the gingivectomy procedure, these pockets can be cleaned and better access to the tooth roots can be provided.
- Gingivectomy procedure can also be applied for aesthetic purposes within the scope of smile design. Gingivectomy procedure can be applied to correct the irregularities in the gum line and to obtain a more aesthetic and symmetrical smile.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 session |
| Sessions | 1 |
| Warranty | · |
| Materials Used | Laser · Periodontal surgical sets |

/ Contraindications and How Gingivectomy is Performed
The cases in which gingivectomy cannot be performed are as follows:
- Gingivectomy cannot be performed on people who do not have good oral health. If there are decayed teeth and different gum disorders, they should be treated first.
- Gingivectomy is not performed during pregnancy due to the risk of negative impact of the healing process after treatment and changes in the gums.
- People with chronic and uncontrolled health problems are not suitable for gingivectomy treatment.
Gingivectomy is a dental procedure in which gum tissue is surgically removed. Gingivectomy can be performed to correct gum problems and provide smile aesthetics. There are different types of gingivectomy, such as superficial gingivectomy, extender gingivectomy and protective gingivectomy. Superficial gingivectomy is performed to correct the gum line. If there is excess gum tissue on the teeth or if the teeth need to look longer, an extender gingivectomy may be performed. Protective gingivectomy is a type of gingivectomy performed in case of recession of gum tissue or exposure of tooth roots for reasons such as periodontal diseases. Which method will be applied is determined by the dentist specifically for the patient.
Before the procedure, the patient's general health condition is evaluated and local anesthesia is performed. In this way, the patient does not feel pain or soreness during the application. Marking is performed on the gum line and excess gum tissue is removed. Bleeding control is provided thanks to the stitches applied later. With the completion of the procedure, the healing process begins. In order for the healing process to progress quickly and healthily, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the dentist and regular check-ups should not be neglected.
Treatment Process
- 01Consultation: Initial examination and needs assessment; imaging where required.
- 02Treatment: Tissue recontouring with laser or conventional technique.
- 03Follow-up: Outcome review and aftercare guidance.
/ Benefits, risks and healing in gingivectomy treatment
Gingivectomy, a surgical procedure performed for various gum problems, brings with it many benefits.
- Gingivectomy is an effective solution for gingivitis, swelling or other gum problems.
- It can help to regulate the gum line, thereby achieving an aesthetic smile design.
- In cases of gingival hyperplasia, gingivectomy can be performed to correct overgrown gum tissue.
- Gingivectomy stands out as an effective treatment method against problems caused by periodontal diseases.
- Having a smooth gum line thanks to gingivectomy can help clean the teeth more effectively.
As with all surgical procedures, the gingivectomy procedure also has some risks and harms. Some of them can be listed as follows:
- There is a risk of infection developing in the area where the surgical procedure is performed. Necessary hygiene measures should be taken to eliminate the risk of developing a possible infection.
- There is a risk of bleeding during or after the gingivectomy procedure.
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation may occur depending on the surgical procedure.
- After gingivectomy, there may be irregularities or unwanted aesthetic changes in the gum line.
- In some patients, there may be a longer recovery time or complications.
Gingivectomy is a comfortable and practical procedure that does not cause pain and soreness. Recovery occurs on average within 3 to 4 weeks after application. Since gingivectomy is a surgical procedure, the gums are closed with the help of a bandage after the procedure. The bandage is removed by the dentist after standing in the mouth for 10 days. After an average period of 4 weeks, the gums and teeth regain a normal appearance. In this way, a healthier and more aesthetic appearance can be achieved.
/ Postoperative considerations after gingivectomy
There are some critical elements that need to be taken into account in order to have a healthy and fast recovery process after gingivectomy operation. Some of these elements can be listed as follows:
- It is very important to ensure oral hygiene after the operation. For this, the surgical area should be kept clean and the dentist's recommendations should be fully followed to reduce the risk of possible infection.
- Medications prescribed by the dentist, such as painkillers and antibiotics, should be used regularly to keep postoperative pain and infection under control.
- Substances such as cigarettes and alcohol that may negatively affect the healing process should not be consumed.
- It is important to get enough rest after gingivectomy and wait for the time needed to recover. It is recommended to avoid excessive physical activity during the recovery process.
- It is necessary to regularly attend the follow-up appointments determined by the dentist. In this way, the healing process can be closely monitored and early detection of possible problems can be possible.
- Avoiding consuming hard foods for the period specified by the dentist after the gingivectomy operation, applying a nutrition program that includes soft and liquid foods is another issue that should be considered.
/ Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty in Turkey
The common feature of gingivectomy and gingivoplasty is that both are surgical procedures performed to improve gum health. Although both treatments are performed by a dentist, the procedure of the treatments is different from each other.
Gingivectomy is performed to remove and reshape diseased gum tissue. In cases where there is an excess of gums, similar procedures are followed and the excess can be eliminated.
Gingivoplasty procedure, on the other hand, allows improving the appearance of the gums without any tissue removal process. Gingivoplasty is considered to be an ideal method that can be applied to correct the contours of the gums.
Gingivectomy Prices
Gingivectomy prices may vary depending on factors such as how much gum needs to be corrected, the technique to be applied, the number of teeth to be processed, the dentist's expertise and the pricing policy of the clinic where the application will be performed.
Many clinics in Turkey, including Mosdent, quote gingivectomy as part of a treatment package that may cover the consultation, the procedure and, for patients travelling in, accommodation. Ask which items a quoted figure covers before comparing two offers.
- 1.Nibali L, Lu EM, Paz HES, Kang J, Bostanci N, Belibasakis GN. Risk Factors and Management of Gingival Enlargement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Periodontol 2026. PubMed 42260319
- 2.Pilalas I, Tsalikis L, Tatakis DN. Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery outcomes: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol 2016;43:1094-1108. PubMed 27535216
- 3.Maboudi A, Fekrazad R, Shiva A, Salehabadi N, Moosazadeh M, Ehsani H, et al. Gingivectomy with Diode Laser Versus the Conventional Scalpel Surgery and Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy in Treatment of Orthodontic Treatment-Induced Gingival Enlargement: A Systematic Review. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2023;41:449-459. PubMed 37738371

Who is this treatment for?
- Redness, swelling or infections in the gum pockets
- Irregularities in the gum line
- Excessive growth in the gum line
- Gum pockets formed due to gum diseases
- Gum recession or exposed tooth roots
- The need for a more aesthetic and symmetrical smile
Doctors specialising in this treatment
Frequently asked
01What is gingivectomy used for?+
It removes excess or malformed gum tissue. It can serve both functional purposes (pocket elimination) and aesthetic ones (smile symmetry). Overgrowth has known triggers: screening 3,609 records across 349 studies, a systematic review linked phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine A and fixed orthodontic appliances to gingival enlargement.
02Is it painful?+
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. No pain is felt. Mild discomfort in the following days is normal. Gingivectomy is a procedure that removes excess gum tissue, and local anaesthesia numbs the field completely.
Periodontology
Periodontology General
General periodontology is where gum treatment starts: pocket depths are charted, bleeding on probing recorded and the maintenance interval set from them.
Explore→02Gum Disease
Gum disease is two conditions: gingivitis stays in the gum and reverses with plaque control; periodontitis adds tissue and bone loss that does not reverse.
Explore→03Pink Aesthetics
Pink aesthetics corrects how much gum shows, its symmetry and colour; more than 2 mm of gum above the upper incisors at maximum smile counts as excessive.
Explore→04Periodontal Flap Surgery
Periodontal flap surgery lifts the gum, cleans the root under direct vision and stitches it back to close deep pockets that non-surgical cleaning left open.
Explore→05Gum Surgery
Gum surgery rebuilds lost soft tissue: it covers an exposed root, moves a receded gum margin back up and widens the band of keratinised tissue.
Explore→Speak with your doctor about this treatment.
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