Services
Gingivectomy
We gently remove excess or diseased gum tissue to support healthier gums and a more balanced, confident smile.
Why choose us
Benefits of Gingivectomy
Healthier Gum Tissue
Removing excess or diseased gum tissue can make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
A More Balanced Smile
We can reshape gums that cover too much of your teeth so your smile looks more even.
Part of Complete Care
We can coordinate your gingivectomy with gum disease treatment, scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance.
No Referral Needed
You can schedule with our team directly for gum care, without first seeing another provider.
Comfort Options Available
We offer oral sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures.
A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes and reshapes excess or diseased gum tissue so that more of the natural tooth surface is exposed and the gumline is healthier and easier to keep clean. At Family Dental Care, we perform gingivectomy as part of our gum disease treatment and cosmetic care. The goal may be to address deep pockets where bacteria collect, to correct gums that cover too much of the teeth, or both. Because we provide periodontal, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry under one roof in West Palm Beach, we can fit this procedure into a broader plan for your smile.
A gingivectomy focuses on the soft tissue around your teeth. When gums become overgrown, swollen, or detached from the teeth, they can form pockets that trap plaque and food debris. Brushing and flossing alone often can't reach these areas. Removing the excess tissue reduces those pockets and creates a gumline that is easier for you and our dental hygienist to maintain over time.
Patients come to us for many different reasons. Some are working through gum disease and have already had a deep cleaning such as scaling and root planing, but still have tissue that needs attention. Others have healthy gums that simply sit low on the teeth, which can make the teeth look short or the smile look uneven. For these patients, gingivectomy works much like gum contouring to create better balance. We see patients ages eight and up, so we can discuss gum concerns with families as well as adults.
Everything starts with a thorough dental exam. We look closely at your gum tissue, check pocket depths, and review the health of the teeth and bone underneath. This tells us whether removing soft tissue alone will meet your goals. In some cases, a related procedure is a better fit. Crown lengthening, for example, may involve reshaping bone as well as gum, while gum grafting adds tissue rather than removing it. We offer each of these, so we can recommend the option that truly matches your needs.
We also talk through your health history, your comfort level, and what you hope to see when treatment is complete. If cosmetic improvement is part of the plan, we may connect your gingivectomy with other services we provide, such as veneers, crowns, composite bonding, or digital smile design. Reshaping the gumline first can create a more even foundation for that work. If you feel anxious about dental visits, we can talk with you about whether oral sedation is appropriate.
Treatment Day at Our Office
On the day of your procedure, our goal is to keep you comfortable and informed. We numb the area thoroughly before we begin, and we explain each stage as we go. We then carefully remove the targeted tissue and shape the remaining gums so they follow a natural contour around each tooth. The length of the appointment depends on how many teeth are involved.
Because Drs. Westcott and Trivedi provide general, cosmetic, and periodontal-focused care, we coordinate the visit with any other treatment you may need. That might mean a follow-up cleaning schedule or a timeline for upcoming restorations. Many patients find this convenient, since they don't need to be sent elsewhere for separate parts of their care.
Healing, Aftercare, and Long-Term Results
After your gingivectomy, we give you clear home-care instructions tailored to your treatment. It is normal for the gums to feel tender for a while as they heal. Aftercare typically includes:
- Choosing soft foods and avoiding very hot, spicy, or crunchy items at first
- Brushing gently around the treated area as we direct
- Following any rinse or medication instructions we provide
- Keeping your scheduled follow-up appointments so we can check your healing
Long-term success depends on ongoing care. A gumline that is easier to clean only stays healthy with consistent brushing, flossing, and professional visits. Patients who are managing gum disease often benefit from periodontal maintenance appointments, which give our hygienist the chance to monitor your gums closely. If you ever notice swelling, bleeding, or discomfort, we offer emergency dental appointments.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims on your behalf, which helps simplify the process. Coverage for gingivectomy can vary depending on whether treatment is needed for gum health or chosen mainly for cosmetic reasons. Our team is glad to review your benefits with you before treatment begins.
We also welcome self-pay patients. If you don't have dental insurance, just let us know, and we'll walk you through the costs of your recommended treatment so you can make a confident decision.
If your gums feel puffy, your teeth look shorter than you'd like, or you've been told you have deep gum pockets, we'd love to help. We proudly serve patients from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. Call Family Dental Care today to schedule your exam, and let's talk about a healthier, more confident smile.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Gum Health Consultation
We examine your gums, talk through your concerns, and explain whether a gingivectomy fits your needs.
- 2
Precise Tissue Removal
Our team carefully removes and reshapes the selected gum tissue to support healthier, more even gums.
- 3
Healing and Follow-Up
We give you clear aftercare instructions and check your healing to help keep your gums healthy.