Gingivoplasty often is done simply to make gums look better. They may have an unusual shape or may not be formed normally. The causes can include a person's genes, disease or trauma. Gingivoplasty reshapes the gums to make them look more natural. It often is done alone, but can be done during or after a gingivectomy. Gingivoplasty also can be done along with a gum graft. This type of surgery adds tissue to the gum line.

Before either procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic shot to numb your gums. A gingivectomy can take from a few minutes to more than an hour. The length of time depends on how much tissue is being removed. Gingivoplasties typically are done in a couple of minutes.

It is very important to keep your mouth clean during the healing period. You should not brush your teeth in the surgical area while the periodontal dressing is in place. You will be able to brush and floss the rest of your mouth normally. When the pack comes off, you can brush and floss normally, but gently. The healing tissues may bleed when you floss or brush right after the dressing is removed. Your gums will begin to look normal in three to four weeks. It can take two to three months for the tissue to heal completely.