A gingivectomy is a periodontal surgical procedure which includes the removal of gingival tissue in order to achieve a more esthetic appearance and/or functional contour. You may need surgery for severe gum disease (periodontitis) if it cannot be cured with antibiotics or root planing and scaling. A gingivectomy removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. Gingivectomy is usually done before gum disease has damaged the bone supporting your teeth.

Gingivectomy refers to the surgical removal of gum tissue (gingiva). Gingivoplasty is the surgical reshaping of gum tissue around teeth with healthy gums.