When excessive gum tissue exists because of gingival enlargement or altered patterns of tooth eruption, or is associated with deep periodontal pockets and periodontal disease, your Dr. May recommend a gingivectomy procedure to eliminate the excessive gum tissue to improve aesthetics or to improve access for cleaning. During a gingivectomy, local anesthetic is used to numb the area for comfort, and the excessive gingival tissue is removed and reshaped surgically. By removing and reshaping the affected gum tissue, your doctor will be able to get rid of the extra tissue to improve aesthetics and access for hygiene and maintenance. Stitches can be used to replace the tissue if needed. Often a gingivectomy procedure does not require stitches for healing, and the recovery is quite simple. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to the destruction of surrounding tooth structure and ultimately tooth loss, which may require more invasive and costly treatment in the long term.