gingivectomy /jin′jīvek″təmē/ [L, gingiva + Gk, ektomē, excision] , surgical removal of infected and diseased gum tissue, performed to arrest the progress of periodontal disease. With the patient under local anesthesia along with sedation, the affected tissue is removed, and the accessible root surfaces are debrided of calculus and necrotic cementum. This procedure eliminates periodontal pockets. The healthy gingival tissues are sutured into place, and a periodontal pack may be placed on the surgical site to prevent trauma during eating and to allow new tissue growth to fill in the area. Bleeding, discomfort, and pain are generally associated with the procedure. After surgery the patient is closely monitored for signs of hemorrhage, frequency in swallowing, or a rise in pulse rate. The periodontal pack is removed after 1 week. Compare gingivoplasty.
