A gingivectomy is a dental procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue. It’s performed either to treat gum disease that hasn’t responded to less invasive methods, or for cosmetic reasons, like correcting a “gummy smile” where too much gum tissue covers the teeth. The procedure costs between $210 and $861 per area treated, and most people are back to work within a day or two.
Why a Gingivectomy Is Done
The most common medical reason is gum disease. When bacteria build up in deep pockets between your teeth and gums, those pockets can become impossible to clean with regular brushing or even professional scaling. Removing the overgrown or damaged tissue eliminates the pockets and gives you a healthier gum line that’s easier to maintain.
Gingivectomy is also used to treat gingival hyperplasia, a condition where gum tissue grows excessively. This can be triggered by certain medications (particularly anti-seizure drugs and some blood pressure medications), orthodontic treatment, or genetics. When braces cause gum overgrowth, for example, removing that tissue restores normal gum contours and makes oral hygiene much more manageable.
On the cosmetic side, some people simply have more gum tissue than average, making their teeth look short. A gingivectomy reshapes the gum line to expose more tooth surface, which can significantly change the proportions of a smile.
Scalpel vs. Laser Techniques
Gingivectomies are performed with either a traditional scalpel or a dental laser, and the choice affects your experience during and after the procedure. Both approaches start the same way: your gums are numbed with local anesthesia, the dentist or periodontist marks the tissue to be removed, and then cuts along that line to reshape or eliminate the excess gum.
Laser gingivectomy has a notable advantage. A systematic review of studies comparing diode lasers to conventional scalpel surgery found that both bleeding during the procedure and pain afterward were significantly lower in the laser group. Lasers cauterize the tissue as they cut, which reduces bleeding on the spot and often eliminates the need for stitches. Not every dental office offers laser gingivectomy, so it’s worth asking about when you’re evaluating your options.
After the tissue is removed with either method, your dentist may place a soft putty-like dressing over the surgical site to protect the area while it begins to heal.
Gingivectomy vs. Gingivoplasty
These two terms come up together frequently, and the distinction is straightforward. A gingivectomy removes gum tissue entirely. A gingivoplasty reshapes existing tissue without necessarily removing it, sculpting the gums into a more natural contour. In practice, the two are often performed together in the same appointment. Your periodontist might remove excess tissue (gingivectomy) and then sculpt the remaining gum line for a smooth, even appearance (gingivoplasty).
What Recovery Looks Like
Healing from a gingivectomy follows a fairly predictable timeline. On average, it takes about one week for your gums to fully heal, but the most uncomfortable period is much shorter than that.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, expect some bleeding, mild discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising. Don’t spit or actively rinse your mouth during this window. Instead, lean over a sink and let saliva drain out on its own. Spitting or swishing creates suction and pressure that can disturb the healing tissue. Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 48 hours, since an elevated heart rate can increase bleeding, pain, and swelling.
By days three to four, those side effects typically fade. Tooth sensitivity in the area is common during this stretch but temporary.
For the full first week, stick to soft foods. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, pasta, and fish are all good options. Hard, crunchy foods like chips, nuts, raw vegetables, popcorn, and crusty bread can irritate or injure the surgical site. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the procedure was done.
Caring for Your Gums After Surgery
The most important aftercare rule catches people off guard: do not brush anywhere near the surgical site until your follow-up appointment. Brushing too early can tear healing tissue, reopen the wound, or introduce bacteria. The rest of your mouth should be cleaned normally, but the surgery area stays untouched by your toothbrush.
If you’re prescribed an antiseptic mouth rinse, start using it the morning after surgery, twice a day. This keeps bacteria in check while the area heals without mechanical cleaning. Be careful not to stretch your cheeks near the surgical site, since pulling on the tissue can loosen sutures if you have them.
Normal Side Effects vs. Warning Signs
Bleeding, mild pain, swelling, bruising, and tooth sensitivity are all normal after a gingivectomy and should resolve within three to four days. Some discomfort is expected, but the pain level is generally manageable with over-the-counter options.
Signs that something may not be healing properly include bleeding that gets worse instead of better after the first 48 hours, increasing pain several days out, pus or discharge from the site, fever, or swelling that doesn’t begin to subside. These could indicate infection or a complication with wound healing.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Based on American Dental Association survey data, a gingivectomy ranges from $210 to $861. That range depends on how many teeth are involved, whether you’re seeing a general dentist or a periodontist, and your geographic area. Laser procedures may cost more than scalpel-based ones.
Dental insurance typically covers a gingivectomy when it’s medically necessary, meaning it’s being done to treat gum disease or another health condition. If the procedure is purely cosmetic, such as reshaping a gummy smile on otherwise healthy gums, your insurance likely won’t cover it. It’s worth getting a pre-authorization from your insurer before scheduling so you know exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
Long-Term Results
For cosmetic gingivectomies, the results are generally permanent. The tissue that’s removed doesn’t grow back under normal circumstances, so the new gum line stays where your dentist placed it.
When the procedure is done to treat gum disease, the long-term outcome depends heavily on what happens next. If the underlying cause of gum overgrowth isn’t addressed, like poor oral hygiene, a medication side effect, or uncontrolled plaque buildup, gum tissue can regrow and pockets can return. Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings are what keep the results lasting. If a medication caused the overgrowth and you’re still taking it, talk to your prescribing doctor about whether alternatives exist.