Sometimes a bit of extra gum tissue gets in the way—of cleaning, of fitting a crown, or of your smile looking just right. That’s where a gingivectomy comes in. It’s a quick, minor procedure to remove excess gum and restore a healthy contour. At Switch Dental, we use precise techniques—whether it’s laser, electrosurgery, or good old-fashioned finesse—to tidy things up with minimal discomfort.
This isn’t just about looks. Gum overgrowth can trap bacteria, block proper cleaning, or make it tricky to place a crown or filling. A gingivectomy is one of those small, behind-the-scenes moves that can make a big difference.
Excess gum tissue can happen for a few reasons. It might be caused by medication, inflammation, or it might just be how your mouth developed. You might notice:
- Your teeth look “short” or like they’re hiding behind the gums
- Your gums bleed easily or trap food
- A cavity or crack is tucked just under the gum and needs to be revealed for treatment
- A new crown doesn’t quite fit because of too much tissue in the way
Sometimes patients ask about gingivectomy for a gummy smile. While we don’t routinely offer cosmetic gum lifts, we’re happy to assess and advise if it’s something you’re curious about.
We also commonly use gingivectomy for gingival overgrowth—often related to medications or long-standing inflammation. It can make oral hygiene difficult and uncomfortable, but a simple reshaping can go a long way.
If a tooth needs more exposure than just gum reshaping—like if the problem sits under the bone—you might be looking at crown lengthening instead. We’ll let you know what’s appropriate.
A gingivectomy is usually done in a single visit, under local anaesthetic. We mark the area, remove the excess tissue, and contour the gumline so it’s even and healthy-looking. We might use:
- Laser – great for precise removal with minimal bleeding
- Electrosurgery – cauterises as it cuts for clean results
- Scalpel – the classic method, still excellent for fine control
We also clean the surface underneath (especially if there was plaque or tartar contributing to the issue). The whole thing is often done in under an hour. Most people say it’s less intimidating than they expected.
Post-op discomfort is minimal—think mild soreness, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. We’ll give you simple instructions, and your gums usually heal within 1–2 weeks.
Is gingivectomy painful?
Nope. We use local anaesthetic, and most people feel very little during the procedure. Some mild soreness after is normal and usually managed with Panadol or Nurofen.
Will the gums grow back?
If overgrowth was due to something ongoing (like a medication or poor hygiene), it can recur. If it’s a cosmetic reshaping of healthy gum, the results are usually long-lasting.
How soon can I eat or brush normally?
We’ll give you care tips, but usually soft food for a few days and gentle brushing near the area. Healing happens fast, and you’ll be back to normal before you know it.
Why Switch Dental?
At Switch, we don’t over-treat—but we also don’t ignore the small stuff. If extra gum tissue is getting in the way of health, comfort, or aesthetics, we’ll help you make sense of it.
We explain the why
Multiple tools
Small changes, big results
Modern techniques
