Gingivectomy in Calabasas
A gingivectomy removes excess or diseased gum tissue so that healthy tooth surfaces are exposed and the gumline sits where it should. It sounds simple, and in many ways it is. But the reasons people need one vary widely, and understanding your own reason is the best way to know what to expect. Our team at 805 Dentistry performs gingivectomies for patients throughout Calabasas and the surrounding communities. We combine general, family, and specialty care under one roof so you can be evaluated, treated, and followed up in one familiar place.
The most common reason for a gingivectomy is gum disease. When gums become inflamed and swollen, deep pockets can form between the gums and teeth. Plaque and bacteria collect in those pockets where brushing and flossing can't reach. Removing the overgrown or diseased tissue reduces those spaces, so keeping the area clean at home and during professional cleanings becomes far more manageable. For many patients, a gingivectomy works alongside other gum disease treatments we provide, such as scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance.
Other patients come to us for cosmetic reasons. If your teeth look short, or your gums show more than you'd like when you smile, the issue may be extra gum tissue covering healthy tooth structure. In those cases, a gingivectomy is closely related to gum contouring, which we also offer. By reshaping the gumline, we can create a more even, balanced appearance. Some Calabasas patients pursue this on its own. Others include it as part of a larger smile makeover with options like veneers, bonding, or whitening.
Gum tissue can also overgrow for reasons that aren't strictly disease-related, and uneven tissue sometimes makes daily cleaning harder around certain teeth. A careful exam tells us what's going on. Our evaluation includes a look at your gum health and, when helpful, digital imaging, since our office offers both 2D and 3D dental imaging. That helps us confirm whether a gingivectomy is the right step or whether another procedure would serve you better.
Sometimes it won't be the right step. If the goal is to expose more tooth structure for a crown or filling, crown lengthening may be more appropriate because it can involve reshaping bone as well as gum. If gums have receded rather than overgrown, gum grafting addresses the opposite problem. Because our practice includes a board-certified periodontist and offers all of these procedures, we can recommend the right treatment rather than fit you into the only one available.
What happens during a gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is usually a straightforward in-office procedure, and we walk you through each step before we begin. First, we numb the treatment area so you stay comfortable. Then we carefully remove the excess or diseased tissue and shape the remaining gumline. Our office offers laser dentistry, and we'll discuss which technique fits your situation.
If dental visits make you anxious, tell us. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer several sedation options. Here is what a typical visit looks like:
- A review of your goals, health history, and any imaging
- Local anesthetic, plus sedation if you and our team decide it's helpful
- Removal and reshaping of the targeted gum tissue
- Clear, written aftercare instructions before you head home to Calabasas
- A follow-up visit scheduled so we can check your healing
How should I care for my gums afterward?
Healing is typically manageable with gentle care and attention to the instructions we give you. Your gums will be tender for a period of time. We'll explain how to keep the area clean without disturbing it, what to eat while you heal, and which symptoms mean you should call us.
Follow-up visits matter. They let us confirm the tissue is healing as expected and, for patients treated for gum disease, plan ongoing periodontal maintenance to protect the results. Our office also offers emergency dental appointments, so if something concerns you between visits, we're reachable. Many Calabasas families find it convenient that their routine cleanings, exams, and specialty gum care can all happen in the same office.
How can I pay for a gingivectomy?
We work to make treatment accessible, starting with insurance. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and because our periodontics services are billed as specialist care, we'll help you understand how your plan applies. Coverage varies, especially between procedures done for gum health and those done for cosmetic reasons, so we review your benefits with you before treatment.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who prefer to spread out the cost. During your consultation, we'll give you a clear picture of your options so you can decide with confidence. If you live in Calabasas and have questions about your gums, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team would be glad to see you and help you understand your choices.