This information on gingivectomy is a minor periodontal gum surgery was created in our Gum Disease Treatment office. Our gingivectomy team includes 16 cosmetic dentists and specialists in one midtown Manhattan office. We offer intelligent and honest diagnosis based upon 31+ years of experience.

Gingivectomy is a relatively minor type of periodontal surgery that involves the removal of a small amount of gum tissue around a tooth or several teeth. A gingivectomy might be necessary to remove diseased tissue, allow a filling or crown to be placed below the gum line or to improve esthetics.

The gingivectomy procedure may be performed by a Periodontist in our office. Typically it is performed using a scalpel. However in more recent years a laser has replaced electrosurgery as an alternate treatment method. The results can be similar. It is usually fairly quick and typically involves only a little postoperative pain.

Incidentally one important distinction is that there is usually no additional gum shrinkage when a laser is specifically used. Therefore it is possible to perform a gingivectomy and take impressions for porcelain veneers and/or crowns on the same day. Otherwise the standard recommendation following gingivectomy with a scalpel or electrosurgery is to wait for six weeks before taking final impressions.

Gingivectomy photographs. There are hundreds of photographs in this and related sections.