Healthy, Comfortable Gum Treatment
Gingivectomy in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Restore diseased or overgrown gums with gentle gingivectomy care at Wauwatosa Dental Arts.
A gingivectomy is a precise procedure that removes infected or excess gum tissue so your teeth and gums can be healthier and easier to clean. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we focus on comfort, clear communication, and predictable results. Our team will explain every step, answer your questions, and design a plan that fits your smile and your schedule.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy at Wauwatosa Dental Arts
A gingivectomy reshapes or removes gum tissue to eliminate deep pockets, reduce infection, and improve the look of your smile. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we use modern techniques and a gentle approach so treatment feels as simple and stress-free as possible while protecting your long-term oral health.
What Is a Gingivectomy?
During a gingivectomy, your dentist carefully removes a small amount of gum tissue around selected teeth. This may be recommended when gum disease has created deep pockets that trap bacteria, or when excess gum tissue creates a “gummy” smile or makes cleaning difficult. By reshaping the gums, we make it easier to keep your teeth clean and reduce your risk of future infection or bone loss.
- Removes Diseased Gum Tissue Helps control moderate to advanced gum disease by reducing bacterial pockets.
- Improves Gum Shape Refines uneven or bulky gums for a more balanced and confident smile.
- Makes Cleaning Easier Shallower gum pockets are easier to reach with your toothbrush and floss.
- Protects Supporting Bone Healthier gums help defend the bone that keeps your teeth stable.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before we begin, we thoroughly examine your gums, review X-rays, and discuss your medical history to confirm that a gingivectomy is the right choice. On the day of your visit, the area is numbed with local anesthetic so you stay comfortable. Your dentist then precisely removes and reshapes the gum tissue, and may place a protective dressing over the area while it heals.
- Comfortable local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Focused instruments for precise gum reshaping
- Thorough cleaning of the treated sites to reduce bacteria
- Clear post-visit instructions to support smooth healing
Healing, Results, and Long-Term Care
Mild soreness or swelling is common for a few days after a gingivectomy and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet. As the gums heal, you should notice that your teeth are easier to clean and your smile looks more even. We will schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, adjust your home care routine, and provide ongoing periodontal maintenance if needed.
- Simple Home Care Rinse as directed, brush gently around the area, and avoid hard or spicy foods until comfort returns.
- Personalized Maintenance Plan We tailor your cleaning schedule and at-home tips to keep your gums healthy.
- Support for Your Overall Health Healthier gums may support better overall wellness and reduce inflammation in the body.
If you have bleeding gums, deep pockets, or are unhappy with the shape of your gums, our team is here to help. Call (414) 462-3160 to schedule a gingivectomy consultation at Wauwatosa Dental Arts and learn whether this treatment is right for you.
The short answer
A gingivectomy is a procedure that removes a small amount of infected or excess gum tissue around selected teeth, so the gums are healthier, easier to clean and more even in shape. After an exam and a review of your X-rays and medical history, the area is numbed with local anesthetic, the gum tissue is precisely removed and reshaped, and a protective dressing may be placed while it heals. It is used when gum disease has created deep pockets that trap bacteria, or when excess gum tissue causes a “gummy” smile or makes daily cleaning difficult.
Gingivectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
- What problems can a gingivectomy treat?
- A gingivectomy can treat gum disease that has created deep pockets around the teeth, and excess gum tissue that traps plaque or creates a “gummy” smile. Removing and reshaping the gums reduces bacteria and leaves shallower pockets that your toothbrush and floss can reach. It can also improve the look of your gum line and make daily cleaning easier.
- Is a gingivectomy painful?
- During a gingivectomy the gums are thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Some soreness afterward is normal, similar to a scraped knee. It is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and the care instructions you receive.
- How long does it take to heal after a gingivectomy?
- Initial healing after a gingivectomy typically takes about one to two weeks, although complete maturation of the gum tissue can take a bit longer. Most patients return to work or school within a day or two. You can gradually resume your normal diet as tenderness improves.
- Will my gums look different after the procedure?
- Yes, one of the goals of a gingivectomy is a healthier, more balanced gum line. After healing, many patients notice that their teeth look more proportionate and their smile appears less “gummy” than before. Treatment is planned carefully so the result looks natural and harmonious.
- How should I care for my mouth after a gingivectomy?
- After a gingivectomy you will go home with detailed instructions, which usually include eating soft foods for a few days and avoiding very hot or spicy foods. Brush and floss gently around the area as it heals, and use any prescribed rinses as directed. Keeping your follow-up appointments lets the team monitor healing and adjust your home care routine.
- Is a gingivectomy covered by dental insurance?
- Coverage for a gingivectomy depends on your plan and on whether the procedure is considered medically necessary to treat gum disease or primarily cosmetic. Our team can review your benefits and submit any necessary documentation. You will receive an estimate so you know what to expect before treatment.
- Am I a good candidate for a gingivectomy?
- You may be a candidate for a gingivectomy if you have gum disease that has not fully responded to non-surgical therapy, deep pockets that are hard to clean, or excess gum tissue affecting your smile. The way to know is an evaluation, where your gums are examined and your X-rays and medical history are reviewed. Your dentist will then discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate care.
- How do I get started?
- To get started, call (414) 462-3160 to schedule a gingivectomy consultation. It is a good next step if you are concerned about bleeding gums, gum disease or the appearance of your gums. At the consultation every step is explained and a plan is designed to fit your smile and your schedule.
Schedule Appointment
Call us at (414) 462-3160 or visit us at 11600 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
