Periodontics

Gingivectomy

Remove diseased gum tissue and reset the foundation for oral health.

Periodontics

Removing diseased tissue to protect the healthy.

A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of a patient’s gum tissue around their teeth. It may be performed to address oral health concerns, improve the appearance of the gumline, or give your periodontist better access and visibility when removing calculus and smoothing the tooth roots. This can help support gingival healing and restore a healthier gum contour. Similar to crown lengthening, a gingivectomy reshapes the gumline. A significant difference, however, is that a gingivectomy does not involve the removal of bone to achieve the desired result.

If your periodontist has recommended you have a gingivectomy to address periodontitis, it is important to schedule the procedure as soon as possible. If left untreated, gum disease can cause a number of issues to develop, including the decay and deterioration of your jawbone and/or the loss of teeth. In addition to these oral health concerns, an increasing number of studies indicate that chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to systemic inflammation, which will increase your risk of developing serious health issues, such as dementia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or heart disease.

If you currently have gum recession that is the result of bacterial infections, gingivitis or periodontitis, gum injury, or aging, you may be a good candidate for a gingivectomy. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the gingivectomy procedure or other treatment options for gum disease, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.

Precision Periodontics operatory ready for a procedure

The Procedure

What to expect from your treatment.

Here's what your gingivectomy treatment looks like, step by step.

The Gingivectomy Procedure Will Be Performed with a

The gingivectomy procedure will be performed with a scalpel or low-frequency laser. Prior to the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure that you experience no discomfort. Next, a careful examination will be conducted to identify the diseased tissue and ensure the appropriate amount of tissue is removed. Once this has been determined, the diseased tissue will be removed by making small incisions. Once the diseased tissue has been removed, the gums will then be reattached, the area will be cleaned, and bandages will be placed on the area to protect your gums. Following this, your gingivectomy will be complete!

Benefits of a Gingivectomy

There are a range of benefits you will enjoy after having a gingivectomy performed, including the following:

Improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence
Improves your ability to practice and maintain proper hygiene
Reduces the depth of gum pockets
Removes diseased tissue
Treats periodontitis

Recovery & Aftercare

A short recovery, a long-term result.

Following your gingivectomy, it is important to try to limit activity for the next three days as much as possible. Patients will typically experience mild discomfort once anesthesia wears off. This can typically be managed by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen. In more severe cases, narcotic medication may be prescribed, which can be taken in conjunction with the NSAID analgesic. It is also common to experience swelling after your gingivectomy, especially in your lower jaw. This can generally be treated with ice packs and in combination with an NSAID analgesic.

Once you have completed the recovery process, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your periodontist to ensure the procedure was successful. If your gingivectomy was performed to address periodontal disease, it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this treatment.

What should I know about Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a dental procedure that involves treating gum disease through the surgical removal of the gum tissue. The average costs associated with this treatment vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, your geographic location, the experience of your periodontist, and whether additional treatments are necessary. On average, patients can expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 per quadrant of the mouth. Insurance coverage may help reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to severe gum disease, but you will need to check with your provider and discuss the options with your clinic, as the extent to which your plan contributes to these expenses may play a substantial role in determining your out-of-pocket costs

Why Do I Need a Gingivectomy?

Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure primarily reserved for those suffering from advanced gum disease. To determine if you may need this treatment, you will need to have a thorough evaluation by your periodontist. A range of symptoms can signal the presence of gum disease, including swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms or if it has been six months or longer since your last dental checkup, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Identifying gum disease early can make a significant difference in your treatment options. During the evaluation, your periodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your gums and teeth. Healthy gums typically have a pocket depth measuring around 2-3 mm. If your measurements exceed 3 mm, the likelihood of gum disease being present increases. Should gum disease be detected early on, various treatments such as antibiotics, scaling and root planing, and lifestyle changes may effectively address the issue. However, if your condition has escalated to advanced periodontitis or if initial treatments fail, a gingivectomy might be necessary.

How Painful is a Gingivectomy?

To prevent any discomfort during the gingivectomy , a local anesthetic, or potentially multiple anesthetics, will be administered beforehand. This step is especially important for patients who experience extreme sensitivity in their teeth or gums, those who feel anxious about dental procedures, or for those who find it challenging to remain still for extended periods of time. For these patients, dental sedation may also be provided. Dental sedation is an effective way to put you in a more tranquil state throughout the gingivectomy process. While pain should not be an issue during the actual procedure due to the anesthetic, it is important to note that you may experience some discomfort, typically as soon as the effects of the anesthetic and sedation begin to wear off.

Cost & Payment

Money shouldn't stand between you and the care you deserve.

The cost of your gingivectomy will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) is used.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

For your convenience, we accept: