← All explanationsGingivectomy

When is excess gum tissue removed?

Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of a limited amount of gum tissue. It may suit selected enlargements or pseudopockets. Cause, supporting tissues and cleaning access need assessment first.

For training & practice ↓

Teaching illustration of enlarged gums covering parts of the crowns. — Gingival enlargement as an example; its cause cannot be determined from the image.

01 / 03

Identify the cause

Inflammation, medicines or other conditions may contribute to enlargement.

02 / 03

Reduce selectively

Removal needs an individual indication; it is not routine for every periodontal treatment.

03 / 03

Care after surgery

Aftercare follows the procedure, while contributing causes still need attention.

Read the full explanation

Identify the cause
Inflammation, medicines or other conditions may contribute to enlargement.
Reduce selectively
Removal needs an individual indication; it is not routine for every periodontal treatment.
Care after surgery
Aftercare follows the procedure, while contributing causes still need attention.

Notes on the teaching images

Gingival enlargement as an example; its cause cannot be determined from the image.
Symbolic examination equipment; tissue removal is not depicted.
Symbolic illustration of individually adapted oral care after treatment.

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Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Aim?

Selective tissue reduction.

Beforehand?

Assess cause and attachment.

Routine?

No.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

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Often confused

Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty

The first means removal; the second means reshaping. They can overlap.

Quick answers

Does it treat every gummy smile?

No. A gummy smile has several possible causes, not all treatable by removing gum.

Is bone always removed?

No. Gingivectomy concerns gum; crown-lengthening surgery may involve additional measures.

Can enlargement recur?

Depending on the cause, yes. Plaque control and contributing factors remain relevant.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

What causes the enlargement and which treatment fits?

Have enlarged or bothersome gum assessed before planning reshaping.

Discuss gum changesAppointment selection at Doctolib

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Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Gingiva: Gum tissue.
Excision: Surgical tissue removal.
Pseudopocket: Increased sulcus depth without corresponding attachment loss.

Make the distinction

The first means removal; the second means reshaping. They can overlap.

Knowledge questionWhat is removed?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

A limited amount of gum.
Always jaw bone.
Always the entire root.

View answer

A limited amount of gum.

Gingivectomy means removal of gingiva.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.