A gingivectomy is necessary when the gums have pulled away from the teeth or receded down the root, creating deep pockets. The pockets make it hard to clean away plaque. Gingivectomy is usually done before gum disease has damaged the bone supporting your teeth.
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If you maintain good dental care after surgery, a gingivectomy is likely to help stop gum disease. Your gums should become pink and healthy again.

• Gingivectomy may help keep gum disease from further damaging your gum tissue, teeth, and bones by helping you to clean better around and between your teeth. If bones are damaged, it is more likely that you will lose your teeth.

• Gum disease usually will progress if you do not brush and floss regularly after surgery or if you continue to use tobacco.

• To promote healing, stop all use of tobacco because it decreases your ability to fight infection of your gums and delays healing.

• Regular follow-up with your dentist is important. If your gum disease gets worse, you may need a different type of surgery.