When gums cover too much of the teeth, a smile looks „shorter“ and uneven. Gingivectomy removes the excess gum and gingivoplasty sculpts its line — a minor procedure under local anaesthesia that visibly changes a smile immediately.
At a glance
- What it is: removal of excess gum (gingivectomy) and reshaping of its edge (gingivoplasty)
- Indications: gummy smile, uneven gumline, deep periodontal pockets, preparation before crowns and veneers
- Anaesthesia: local; the procedure is painless
- Duration: 30–60 minutes per region
- Recovery: a few days; the result is visible immediately
- Cost: depends on the number of teeth; an estimate is given at your consultation
On this page
- What gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are
- When they are done
- The procedure
- Gummy smile: surgery or Botox?
- Recovery
- Cost
- FAQ
What are gingivectomy and gingivoplasty?
Gingivectomy is the removal of excess gum tissue, and gingivoplasty the precise sculpting and evening of its edge around the teeth — they are most often performed together. The goal is aesthetic (teeth look longer and more regular) or functional (access to the tooth margin for treatment, pocket elimination).
When are they done?
Gummy smile — when too much gum shows above the teeth and the cause is excess gingiva covering the crowns. Uneven gumline — when the gum does not follow the same level from tooth to tooth. Periodontal pockets — as part of gum disease treatment. Before prosthetic work — so a crown or veneer gets a correct, healthy margin. In more pronounced cases with little visible tooth, clinical crown lengthening (with minor bone work) is used.
What does the procedure look like?
After examination and measurements, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia: excess gum is removed and the edge sculpted along the planned line — conventionally or with a laser. For aesthetic cases a symmetrical line is planned that follows the upper lip when smiling. The procedure takes 30–60 minutes per region.
Gummy smile: surgery or Botox?
It depends on the cause. If the problem is a hyperactive upper lip, the solution is Botox for gummy smile — quick and surgery-free. If the cause is excess gum or short clinical crowns, Botox does not address the cause — gingivectomy is then the right answer. At the consultation, the amount of gum display and its cause are measured, and the method — or combination — is chosen accordingly.
Recovery
In the first days, sensitivity and mild swelling are normal; hygiene is maintained as instructed, with medication if needed. Most patients return to their routine within a day or two, and the final gum shape stabilises in the weeks that follow.
Cost
The cost depends on the number of teeth and the extent of contouring; an estimate is given at your consultation with the plan. See our dental price list.
Frequently asked questions
Does gingivectomy hurt?
No — it is performed under local anaesthesia; a few days of manageable sensitivity follow.
Do gums grow back?
With a properly performed procedure and good hygiene the result is stable; hormonal changes and certain medications can cause partial regrowth.
Laser or conventional method?
Both give good results; the choice depends on the indication and extent — decided at the consultation.
Is it done before veneers?
Often — a tidy gum margin is the foundation for veneers and crowns to look natural; it is planned as one overall aesthetic plan.
Book a consultation
If „more gum than teeth“ in your smile has bothered you for years, checking the cause is the first step. ESTERA, Bokeljska 7, Vračar, Belgrade — +381 66 378 372.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
Content prepared and medically reviewed by Dr Nenad Stanković, DDS/DMD, specialist in cosmetology, international lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine.