Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are companion periodontal procedures that improve the health and appearance of the gums, with gingivectomy removing excess or diseased gum tissue and gingivoplasty reshaping and contouring the remaining gums. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, periodontist Dr. Ilse Lugo performs both to restore gum health and create a more balanced smile for patients traveling from San Diego and beyond.
What is Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty?
Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty are two closely related gum procedures that are often performed together. Gingivectomy is the removal of gum tissue, used to eliminate infected or overgrown tissue and the pockets that harbor bacteria. Gingivoplasty is the reshaping and contouring of the gums, used to refine the gum line into a smooth, even, natural-looking form.
Together they address both function and appearance: clearing diseased tissue to support healthier gums, correcting an uneven or excessive gum line, and preparing the gums so future crowns, bridges, or restorations fit well and look right.
The Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty procedure: what to expect
Your visit starts with a consultation where Dr. Lugo assesses your gum health, discusses your goals, and reviews imaging such as X-rays to evaluate the underlying structures before recommending gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, or both. On the day of treatment, local anesthesia numbs the area for your comfort. For a gingivectomy, Dr. Lugo carefully removes the infected or excess tissue; for a gingivoplasty, she contours and shapes the gums into a more pleasing form. The gums are then sutured to promote clean healing and minimize scarring, and you receive detailed aftercare instructions.
Benefits of Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty
- Healthier gums: removes infected tissue and pockets, helping prevent further complications from gum disease.
- Improved appearance: reshapes an uneven or excessive gum line for a more balanced, attractive smile.
- Better restorations: prepares the gums so crowns, bridges, and other restorations fit and look their best.
- Easier cleaning: reducing overgrown tissue and pockets makes daily oral hygiene more effective.
- Specialist care: performed by a periodontist for precise, predictable contouring and healing.
Am I a candidate for Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you have overgrown or infected gum tissue, deep pockets from gum disease, an uneven gum line, or gums that need shaping before a restorative procedure. Whether gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, or a combination is right for you depends on the condition of your gums and the structures beneath them. At your free consultation, Dr. Ilse Lugo reviews your 3D CBCT scan and examines your gums to determine the best approach for your case.
Recovery and aftercare
After gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, some swelling and mild discomfort may occur, but these symptoms are typically mild. Choose soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy items for the first several days. Maintain gentle oral hygiene by brushing carefully and avoiding the surgical area as directed, and keep your follow-up appointments so Dr. Lugo can confirm the gums are healing properly and the new contour is settling as planned.
How much does Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty cost in Tijuana?
Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty in Tijuana are priced well below US and Canadian rates, with most patients saving 50 to 70% compared with treatment at home. Because cost depends on how much tissue is treated and how many areas are involved, Dr. Lugo provides an itemized written quote at your free consultation, with no pressure and no upsell. Periovital also provides itemized receipts you can submit for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Gingivectomy / Gingivoplasty?
At Periovital, these procedures are planned and performed personally by Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience. She combines digital planning precision with an in-house dental lab for any restorations that follow your gum treatment. For patients considering dental tourism Mexico, the clinic offers a free shuttle from San Diego, a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, and a location minutes from the border, making expert periodontal care near San Diego simple to access.