Periodontal Care
Gingivectomy in Fullerton, CA
Removing excess or diseased gum tissue for healthier, easier-to-clean gums.
When gum tissue has overgrown or formed pockets that trap bacteria, removing a small amount of it can make the area healthier and easier to keep clean.
What Is a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes and reshapes a small amount of gum tissue. It is used when gums have become overgrown, or when gum disease has created pockets that trap bacteria and are hard to clean. Removing the excess tissue reduces the depth of those pockets so plaque has fewer places to collect. The same technique can be used to even out an uneven gum line. Pocket charting and digital imaging help show exactly where treatment is needed, so it is targeted rather than general.
When a Gingivectomy May Help
Common reasons to reshape the gums.
- Deep Pockets To reduce gum pockets that trap bacteria and resist cleaning.
- Overgrown Gums To remove gum tissue that has grown over the teeth.
- Uneven Gum Line To even out gums that sit at different heights.
How the Procedure Works
The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the excess tissue is carefully removed and the gum line shaped. You go home with instructions for gentle cleaning while the gums heal, and we check the area at a follow-up visit.
What to Expect
- Gum measurements to plan treatment
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- Gentle-care instructions while you heal
- A follow-up visit
Related Gum Care
See pocket reduction surgery and gum contouring, or periodontal maintenance after treatment.
The short answer
A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes and reshapes a small amount of gum tissue, used when gums have overgrown or when gum disease has created deep pockets that trap bacteria. Removing the excess tissue reduces pocket depth so plaque has fewer places to collect, and the same technique can even out an uneven gum line. It is done under local anesthetic, with gentle-care instructions while the gums heal and a follow-up visit to check the area.
Gingivectomy FAQ
- What does a gingivectomy treat?
- It removes overgrown or diseased gum tissue. That reduces the deep pockets where bacteria collect. It can also even out an uneven gum line.
- How is a gingivectomy different from gum contouring?
- Both reshape the gums. A gingivectomy is usually done for gum health, to reduce pockets. Gum contouring is usually done to improve how the smile looks.
- Is the procedure uncomfortable?
- The area is numbed with local anesthetic before we begin. Some tenderness afterward is normal while the gums heal. We give you clear instructions for gentle care.
- How do you decide where to treat?
- Pocket charting and digital imaging show where gum disease is active. That lets treatment be targeted rather than general. We explain the findings before recommending anything.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.