Gingival enlargements are quite common findings in pediatric patients and may be inflammatory, noninflammatory, or a combination of both. A gingivectomy is necessary when the gums have pulled away from the teeth creating deep pockets. The pockets make it hard to clean away plaque and calculus. Gingivectomy is usually done before gum disease has damaged the bone supporting the teeth. The procedure involves removing and reshaping loose, diseased gum tissue to get rid of pockets between the teeth and gums. By removing the pocket walls, gingivectomy provides visibility and accessibility to remove calculus and thoroughly smooth the tooth roots. This creates a favorable environment for gingival healing and restoration of the gingival contour. Although gingivectomy was initially developed to treat periodontal disease, it is now a common Cosmetic Surgery, also. It is used to remove overgrown gum tissue and improve the appearance of the gums.

If your child needs a gingivectomy treatment or you have any questions, feel free to contact us today.