A surgical procedure that removes soft gum tissue.
Gingivectomy is a procedure that removes periodontal pockets or hyperplastic changes of the gum (a pathological increase in gum volume, i.e. overgrowth).
Periodontal pockets form in advanced periodontitis, when the gum (gingiva) detaches from the teeth. This creates a “pocket” between the tooth and the gum, which can vary in depth. The deeper the pocket, the more serious the disease.
If the pockets cannot be eliminated by conservative therapy, i.e. oral hygiene, gingivectomy is the next step. Hyperplastic changes are often caused by medication.
In gingivectomy, part of the gum is removed. There is no need to be afraid of the procedure, as conventional surgical techniques are being replaced by laser or high-frequency current. These methods are much gentler.
It is carried out under local anaesthetic, the wound does not bleed and healing is very quick. Complications are rare and can be prevented by oral hygiene and the use of mouthwashes.
