Surgical & Emergency Care
Gingivectomy in San Rafael, CA
Removing diseased or excess gum tissue for a healthier smile.
A gingivectomy removes damaged or overgrown gum tissue to treat disease and improve the look of your smile. At Dental Studio of Marin, we use gentle, precise techniques to restore healthy gums and a balanced gumline.

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Gingivectomy in San Rafael
A gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue, most often to treat gum disease or to correct an overgrown, uneven gumline. When periodontal pockets become too deep to clean, or when excess tissue traps bacteria and affects your smile’s appearance, removing that tissue restores both health and balance. It’s a well-established procedure that can stop disease from progressing while also giving your smile a cleaner, more even look.
When a Gingivectomy Helps
This procedure addresses both health-related and cosmetic gum concerns.
- Gum Disease Treatment Removes diseased tissue and reduces deep pockets where bacteria collect.
- Overgrown Gums Corrects excess tissue caused by medication, genetics, or inflammation.
- Cosmetic Reshaping Creates a more even, attractive gumline.
Gentle, Precise Treatment
We perform gingivectomies with your comfort in mind, numbing the area thoroughly before carefully removing and reshaping the tissue. The precision of the procedure allows us to eliminate problem areas while creating a natural, healthy contour. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is and how quickly their gums begin to feel better.
Recovery and Healing
After a gingivectomy, your gums need a little time to heal. Expect some tenderness for a few days, along with instructions to eat soft foods and keep the area clean and gentle. As healing progresses, your gums will look and feel healthier, and any deep pockets that made cleaning difficult will be easier to maintain going forward.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy
A gingivectomy resolves the immediate issue, but long-term gum health depends on ongoing care. Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular checkups keep bacteria in check and prevent problems from returning. We’ll help you build a maintenance routine so your gums stay healthy well after the procedure.

Gingivectomy FAQ
- What is a gingivectomy?
- A gingivectomy is the removal of gum tissue, usually to treat gum disease or to correct an overgrown or uneven gumline.
- Why would I need a gingivectomy?
- It’s used to treat deep periodontal pockets, remove excess or overgrown tissue, and improve the appearance of your gums.
- Is a gingivectomy painful?
- The area is numbed for the procedure, so you stay comfortable. Some tenderness afterward is normal and manageable with aftercare.
- How long does it take to heal?
- Gums typically heal over one to two weeks, with soft foods and gentle cleaning helping the process.
- Is a gingivectomy the same as gum contouring?
- They’re related. Gingivectomy often focuses on removing diseased or excess tissue, while contouring is primarily cosmetic reshaping.
- Will my gums grow back?
- Diseased or excess tissue that’s removed generally does not grow back the same way, though healthy care is key to lasting results.
- What causes overgrown gums?
- Certain medications, genetics, and long-term inflammation can all lead to excess gum tissue that a gingivectomy can correct.
- How do I schedule an evaluation?
- Contact our San Rafael office and we’ll assess your gums and recommend the right treatment.



