Gingivectomy for Gum Disease

You may need surgery for severe Reference gum disease Opens New Window (Reference periodontitis Opens New Window) if it cannot be cured with Reference antibiotics Opens New Window or root planing and scaling. A gingivectomy removes and reshapes loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. A gum specialist (periodontist) or oral surgeon often will do the procedure.

The doctor will start by numbing your gums with a Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window. He or she may use a Reference laser Opens New Window to remove loose gum tissue.

After removing the gum tissue, the doctor will put a temporary putty over your gum line. This will protect your gums while they heal. You can eat soft foods and drink cool or slightly warm liquids while the putty is in place and your gums are healing.

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