The gum tissue can be very thick and large covering the tooth surface making the teeth look short. This can happen because of medications, thick gum tissues and bone, or inflammation due to gum disease. A gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure that eliminates excess gum tissue.

The following are some reasons a gingivectomy might be needed:

  • Esthetics: To make the teeth look normal in size when the gum is covering too much of it, making the teeth look longer and more proportional. Often an Esthetic Crown Exposure procedure is performed in conjunction with a gingivectomy.
  • Functional: To remove excess gum tissue (gingival overgrowth) that has formed as a result of certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, seizures, and or to resist organ transplant rejection. Often this excess gum tissue makes it difficult to clean around the teeth.
  • Orthodontics: To allow the orthodontist to see the teeth and make it easier for the teeth to be moved.