When teeth are covered by an excessive amount of gum tissue, it often results in them having a shortened appearance and what is referred to as a gummy smile, a common term describing too much gum tissue being visible above the front teeth. When smiling, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a gingivectomy to modify the gum tissue to improve the proportions of your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. During a gingivectomy, your doctor will reshape and remove the extra gum tissue, increasing the amount of tooth material exposed and creating a better tooth proportion. Next, your doctor will thoroughly clean the area so you can begin the healing process. Your doctor will let you know when the area is fully recovered. Once the site has fully healed, your teeth will have a more proportional and attractive appearance.