Gingivectomy

Gum tissue is supposed to hug the teeth in a thin, firm collar. When that collar becomes thickened, inflamed, or overgrown, it creates pockets that a toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Bacteria settle in, inflammation continues, and the tissue grows more irregular over time. Removing that excess tissue gives you a shape you can actually keep clean at home, which is often the difference between gum disease that keeps returning and gum disease that finally stabilizes.

Overgrowth has several causes. Certain medications are well known for enlarging gum tissue. Long-standing plaque and tartar buildup can do it. Orthodontic treatment occasionally leaves puffy, excess tissue behind once the teeth are straight. We also see patients who simply have a naturally gummy smile — teeth that are a normal length but appear short because the gumline sits low. Because our practice provides periodontal care, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics including Invisalign and clear aligners under one roof, we can look at your situation as a whole rather than treating the gums in isolation.

Your first visit is an evaluation, not a procedure. We examine the gums, measure pocket depths, take any images we need, and talk through what is driving the problem. If active infection or heavy tartar is present, we usually address that first with a cleaning or scaling and root planing, because inflamed tissue often shrinks on its own once it is clean. That step alone sometimes reduces how much tissue needs to be removed.

We then explain what reshaping would accomplish in your case, and whether a related procedure fits better. Crown lengthening removes gum and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more tooth structure for a crown. Gum contouring focuses on symmetry and smile appearance. A gingivectomy removes tissue to eliminate pockets and restore a cleanable gumline. These procedures overlap, and part of our job is telling you plainly which one serves your goal.

Things worth knowing before you decide:

• We use local anesthetic, and nitrous oxide sedation or oral sedation is available if dental visits make you anxious.
• We offer laser dentistry, which can be used in soft-tissue procedures.
• Healthy gum tissue and good home care support a lasting result, so we address active gum disease first.
• We accept patients without a referral for periodontal care and file insurance claims as a general practice.
• Smoking and uncontrolled health conditions can affect healing, so please share your full medical and medication history.

Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling in Ocala

We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Flexible payment plans are available, and we will review your estimated coverage and out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins so there are no surprises. If a gingivectomy is part of a larger plan involving crowns or dentures, our on-site dental lab allows us to handle much of that work in house.

We have cared for families in Ocala for more than 30 years, and we see patients of all ages from Belleview, Silver Springs, The Villages, Dunnellon, Summerfield, Lady Lake, Marion Oaks, and surrounding communities. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris would be glad to look at your gums and tell you honestly what they see. Call our office to schedule a consultation — we are happy to answer your questions first.