A gingivectomy typically changes a “gummy” or uneven smile into one where the teeth look longer, more even, and the gumline is smoother and easier to clean.

What a gingivectomy is

  • A gingivectomy is a surgical removal of excess or diseased gum tissue around the teeth, often done with a scalpel or laser.
  • It is used to treat gum disease pockets or purely for aesthetics (for example, correcting a gummy smile or uneven gumlines).****

Before the procedure

  • Patients usually present with too much visible gum when smiling, short‑looking or “boxy” teeth, or gum overgrowth from inflammation or medication.
  • Gums can be swollen, red, and form deep pockets that trap plaque, which increases the risk of bleeding and bad breath.****

Immediately after

  • Right after a gingivectomy, the gums look freshly contoured but may appear red, raw, and slightly swollen, sometimes covered with a protective dressing.
  • Mild bleeding, tenderness, and sensitivity to hot, cold, and brushing are common for several days, and soft foods plus careful cleaning are recommended.****

Healed “after” results

  • Once healed (usually a few weeks), the gumline typically looks higher, more symmetrical, and reveals more natural tooth structure, making the teeth look longer and better proportioned.
  • When the surgery is done for disease, the shallower pockets and smoother gum contours make it easier to keep the area clean, which can improve long‑term gum health.****

Realistic expectations and risks

  • Results depend on how much tissue is removed, the underlying bone shape, and how well a patient follows post‑op instructions.
  • Possible downsides include temporary or sometimes lasting root sensitivity, minor relapse if oral hygiene is poor, and aesthetic dissatisfaction if expectations were not clearly set.****

TL;DR: “Gingivectomy before and after” usually shows a change from puffy or excessive gums with short‑looking teeth to a higher, more even gumline with longer‑looking teeth and improved cleanability.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.