Gingivectomy in The Villages
Gum tissue that creeps over the edges of your teeth can do more than change how a smile looks. It can trap plaque in pockets a toothbrush cannot reach, make a crown impossible to fit correctly, and leave teeth looking short and uneven. A gingivectomy removes that excess or diseased gum tissue, reshaping the gumline so it sits where it should. We perform this procedure regularly for patients from The Villages who want healthier gums, a more even smile, or both.
A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue. Depending on your situation, we may remove tissue that has become infected and detached from the tooth, or trim tissue that is simply overgrown. Either way, the goal is a gumline that is easier to clean and better proportioned to your teeth.
There are two common reasons we recommend it. The first is periodontal: when gum disease creates deep pockets, bacteria live below the gumline where brushing, flossing, and even scaling and root planing may not fully reach. Removing the diseased tissue reduces pocket depth and gives you a surface you can actually keep clean at home. The second reason is cosmetic or restorative. Some people have naturally bulky gum tissue or a "gummy" smile where teeth look short. Others develop gum overgrowth as a side effect of certain medications. In those cases, reshaping the tissue reveals more of the natural tooth. We also perform gingivectomy as part of preparing a tooth for a crown or filling when gum tissue covers the area the restoration needs to meet — closely related to crown lengthening, which we also provide.
Most candidates fall into a few groups. If you have been treated for gum disease and still have pockets that bleed or trap debris, you may benefit. If you are planning veneers, bonding, or a smile-design case and the gumline is uneven, reshaping first gives the final result better proportions. If a tooth broke near the gumline and there is not enough structure showing to hold a crown, removing tissue may make the restoration possible.
Healthy bone support matters. During your evaluation we examine your gums, measure pocket depths, and take any imaging needed to understand what is happening below the tissue. If the problem involves bone loss rather than tissue alone, we will tell you — and we offer periodontal regeneration, gum grafting, and other periodontal surgery when those are the better fit. Patients from The Villages come to us without needing a referral, so you can schedule an evaluation directly.
What the Procedure and Recovery Involve
Gingivectomy is typically done in a single visit. We numb the area thoroughly first, then remove and contour the tissue, often using laser dentistry, which can reduce bleeding during the procedure. Afterward we may place a dressing over the area to protect it while it heals. For patients who feel uneasy about dental procedures, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation.
Here is what to expect around your appointment:
- A consultation and exam to confirm a gingivectomy is the right approach
- Local anesthetic, with sedation options available if you want them
- Tissue removal and contouring, usually completed in one visit
- Soft foods and gentle oral hygiene around the site for the first several days
- A follow-up visit to check healing and review your long-term cleaning routine
Recovery is generally straightforward. Expect some tenderness and mild swelling at first. We will give you specific instructions on rinsing, brushing around the site, and what to eat. Because gum disease can return, we also talk with you about periodontal maintenance — more frequent cleanings with our hygienist that keep pockets from redeveloping.
Scheduling and Paying for Care From The Villages
Our office is in Ocala, and we have served Marion County and the surrounding communities, including The Villages, for over 30 years. Making the drive worthwhile matters to us, so we try to coordinate visits efficiently — combining your exam, cleaning, and treatment planning where it makes sense. Our on-site dental lab means crowns, dentures, and denture repairs can often be handled the same day, which cuts down on return trips for patients coming from out of town. If a dental emergency comes up, we offer same-day emergency appointments.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practice. We also welcome self-pay and cash patients, and we offer flexible payment plans so the cost of treatment can be spread out. Before we begin, our team will walk you through what is recommended, why, and what it will cost, so there are no surprises. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see patients of all ages, and we are members of the FDA and the Central Florida District Dental Association.