A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or periodontist that involves the removal of gum tissue. The goal is to eliminate diseased or excessive soft tissue and reshape the gum line, often to improve oral health or for cosmetic reasons. Patients frequently wonder whether the surgically removed gum tissue will grow back. The direct answer is that the gums do not naturally regenerate to their prior state, as the surgery aims for a stable and permanent reduction in tissue size. This article explains the process, the biology of healing, and the necessary steps for maintaining long-term results.
Understanding Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of the gingiva, the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is most often recommended to treat advanced gum disease by eliminating deep periodontal pockets. These pockets are spaces between the gum and tooth root that form when inflammation and infection cause the tissue to detach from the tooth surface.
Pockets deeper than a few millimeters are difficult for a patient to clean effectively, allowing bacteria to accumulate and thrive. By surgically excising the diseased or overgrown gum tissue, the procedure reduces the pocket depth, eliminating the environment where plaque and calculus hide. Gingivectomy is also used to correct gingival overgrowth caused by certain medications or genetic factors, and to address aesthetic concerns like a “gummy smile.”
The Fate of Gum Tissue After Removal
The objective of a gingivectomy is to permanently reshape the gum tissue to a healthier, more manageable contour. Since the tissue is removed to correct disease or excess, it is not intended to regenerate back to its original volume. The body’s biological response following the surgery is a process of healing, not regeneration.
The wound heals by secondary intention, where the remaining healthy gum tissue re-establishes a secure, tighter attachment to the tooth root at a lower position. This new attachment forms a shallow, stable sulcus that is easier to keep clean and less prone to recurrent infection. The initial healing phase, where the surgical site closes and stabilizes, usually takes one to two weeks.
Complete tissue maturation and stabilization, where the gums fully remodel and firm up around the teeth, can take up to three months. If a patient notices apparent tissue growth after the area has healed, it indicates inflammation or disease recurrence, not natural regeneration. This recurrence is usually caused by renewed bacterial buildup and poor plaque control, causing the remaining tissue to swell and increase in volume.
Ensuring Long-Term Stability
The stability of the result relies heavily on the patient’s long-term maintenance habits. Preserving the surgically reduced pocket depth requires meticulous and consistent oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice daily with an appropriate technique and soft-bristled brush to clean the new gum line without causing trauma.
Daily flossing is equally important to remove plaque from between the teeth and beneath the new, shallow gum margin. Patients must also adhere to a modified schedule of professional periodontal maintenance cleanings and check-ups. These appointments are often scheduled more frequently than standard six-month cleanings, typically every three to four months, to ensure the reduced pocket depths remain stable.
These preventative measures control the bacterial load and prevent the inflammation that can cause the remaining gum tissue to swell and detach again. By committing to rigorous home care and professional oversight, patients prevent the recurrence of the conditions that necessitated the procedure, ensuring the long-term success of the gingivectomy.