Services
Gingivectomy
Our board-certified periodontist removes excess or diseased gum tissue to support healthier gums and a more balanced smile.
Why choose us
Benefits of Gingivectomy
Healthier Gum Tissue
Removing overgrown or diseased gum tissue helps us support a healthier foundation for your teeth.
Easier Daily Cleaning
Reshaped gums can make it simpler to brush and floss around your teeth at home.
A More Balanced Smile
We can trim excess gum tissue so more of your natural teeth show when you smile.
Comfort-Focused Options
We offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, for patients who feel anxious.
Flexible Ways to Pay
We accept all major PPO plans and self-pay patients, and financing is available.
A gingivectomy is the careful removal of a small amount of gum tissue, and it serves two very different purposes. For some patients, it addresses gum tissue that has become overgrown or affected by gum disease, creating pockets around the teeth that are hard to keep clean. For others, it reshapes gums that cover too much of the tooth surface so that the smile looks more balanced. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, our team, including a board-certified periodontist, performs gingivectomy as part of our broader periodontal and cosmetic care, so your treatment can connect smoothly with the rest of your dental health.
Your gums are meant to fit snugly around each tooth and follow a natural, even line. When tissue becomes enlarged, inflamed, or uneven, it can trap plaque and bacteria below the gumline, where a toothbrush and floss have trouble reaching. Removing that excess tissue can make daily cleaning more manageable and give your gums a healthier contour to work with.
Because the same procedure can be therapeutic or cosmetic, we always start by understanding why your gums look or feel the way they do. A gingivectomy may be one of several options we discuss. For example, if gum disease is involved, it may fit alongside treatments such as scaling and root planing or ongoing periodontal maintenance. If your concern is mainly appearance, it may be part of gum contouring or a larger smile makeover. Patients commonly ask about gingivectomy in situations like these:
- Gum tissue that has grown over part of the teeth, making them look short
- Deep gum pockets that collect plaque and are difficult to clean at home
- An uneven gumline that makes the smile look lopsided
- Gums that show prominently when smiling, sometimes called a "gummy" smile
- Gum tissue that needs reshaping before or alongside other cosmetic or restorative work
Your first visit focuses on a thorough exam of your gums and teeth. We look at how the tissue sits around each tooth, check for signs of gum disease, and talk with you about what you have noticed and what you hope to change. When imaging is helpful, our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, so we can see the structures beneath the surface before recommending a plan.
From there, we explain whether gingivectomy makes sense for you or whether a related procedure would serve you better. Sometimes the underlying issue involves bone level rather than gum tissue alone, in which case crown lengthening may be the more appropriate choice. Having periodontal procedures like gum grafting, crown lengthening, and periodontal regeneration available in the same practice means we can recommend what fits your situation instead of fitting you into a single option. You do not need a referral to see our periodontics team.
Will I be comfortable during a gingivectomy?
Yes, keeping you comfortable is a central part of how we plan your procedure. The area being treated is numbed before we begin, and we take time to make sure you feel settled before any work starts.
For patients who feel anxious about dental care, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We will talk through these choices with you during your consultation so you know what to expect and can choose the level of support that feels right.
How do I care for my gums after treatment?
Gentle, consistent care at home is the most important part of healing, and we will give you specific instructions before you leave. Generally, that includes being careful when brushing near the treated area, choosing softer foods for a period of time, and avoiding anything that could irritate the healing gums.
Follow-up visits let us check on your progress and adjust your home care if needed. If your gingivectomy was part of managing gum disease, regular periodontal maintenance visits help us keep an eye on your gum health over time. Results depend on your individual situation and how well the tissue is cared for afterward, so we will be honest with you about what is realistic for your gums.
How can I pay for a gingivectomy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontics services are billed as specialist care. Coverage varies from plan to plan, especially when a procedure is partly cosmetic, so our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
We also welcome self-pay patients and offer financing for those who prefer to spread out the cost. We are happy to review your options together so there are no surprises.
Patients visit us from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Camarillo, and nearby communities across the area. If your gums have been bothering you, or you simply want to know whether a gingivectomy could help, we would be glad to see you. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and let's take a closer look together.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Gum Evaluation
We examine your gums, talk through your goals, and explain whether a gingivectomy is right for you.
- 2
Gentle Gum Reshaping
Our team carefully removes and reshapes the targeted gum tissue while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
- 3
Healing and Follow-Up
We give you clear aftercare instructions and check your healing to help your gums stay healthy.