Gingivectomy

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, making it practically painless, and recovery occurs fairly quickly. In addition, gingivectomy is often used before orthodontic treatment or prosthodontics to provide convenient access to the teeth and make care easier after the installation of braces or crowns.

It is also worth mentioning laser gingivectomy separately. This is a specific type of gingivectomy where excess gum tissue is removed using a laser. The laser seals the blood vessels during operation, making the procedure less painful, almost bloodless, and healing faster. The indications and contraindications are the same as for classical gingivectomy.

Gingivotomy and gingivectomy are two different dental procedures that involve the gums, but they have distinct goals and methodologies.

Gingivotomy is a surgical intervention during which a dentist makes an incision in the gum. The goal of this procedure is to facilitate access to the tooth or a periodontal pocket, relieve pressure on the tissue, and promote the treatment of gum inflammation. In a gingivotomy, a large portion of the gum is not removed — it remains in place, and only its shape is altered or the space is widened to improve hygiene. This procedure is often used in periodontitis, when pockets that are difficult to clean form between the teeth and gums.

Gingivectomy, conversely, involves the removal of a portion of the gum. The primary goal is to eliminate excess tissue that covers the teeth or creates aesthetic problems. A gingivectomy not only helps improve the appearance of the smile but also makes tooth care more convenient, reduces the risk of inflammation and bleeding, and prepares the teeth for orthodontic treatment or prosthodontics.

Simply put:

• Gingivotomy is an incision and correction of the gum; the tissue remains in place, and the procedure helps treat inflammation and improve cleaning access.
• Gingivectomy is the removal of a portion of the gum to make the smile aesthetic and facilitate tooth care.

Thus, the main difference is that a gingivotomy corrects existing tissue, whereas a gingivectomy removes its excess part. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are relatively painless, but they have different indications and goals.

Джерела:

• Medical Care Standard “Anesthesiologic Support in Outpatient Dentistry” – Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated March 27, 2025, No. 555 – State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (2025). The latest official standard of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine regulating anesthetic support for dental procedures, including gingivectomy.
• Treatment Protocol for Periodontitis – Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 566 dated November 23, 2004 – Ministry of Health of Ukraine (2004, active until 2023).
• PerioBasics — Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
  This resource compares gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, describing their differences and indications for use.
• ScienceDirect — Gingivectomy: an overview
  This article provides a general overview of gingivectomy, including its indications and performance techniques.
• International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science — Gingivectomy by different Techniques – A Comparative Analysis
  This scientific study compares different gingivectomy techniques, evaluating their efficacy and post-procedural healing.