Gingivectomy is a surgical technique aimed at reshaping the gums for aesthetic and/or therapeutic purposes. The most common reason a patient may require a gingivectomy is the presence of a “gummy smile,” meaning that, due to gingival hyperplasia, the gums cover a larger surface area than normal, causing the teeth to appear disproportionately small in relation to the gums when the patient smiles.
Using the gingivoplasty technique, a small portion of the gingival tissue covering the crowns of the teeth is usually removed, allowing the contour of the gums above the teeth to become more uniform and to frame them in a more natural way.
Gingivectomy is performed under local anesthesia, using a dental laser, electrosurgical unit, or scalpel.
It is a painless and brief procedure, with gum healing occurring almost immediately. It can also be combined with porcelain veneers for an even greater improvement in the appearance of a smile.
