HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

The procedure that involves the surgical removal of gum tissue is known as gingivectomy. This surgery is typically performed to treat periodontal disease, where affected gum tissue is excised to eliminate pockets that can harbor bacteria and promote further gum disease. By removing the excess or diseased gum tissue, the procedure helps to restore the gum line and improve the overall health of the periodontal tissues, allowing for better oral hygiene and monitoring of the remaining gums. Gingivectomy can also be utilized for cosmetic reasons, where excessive gum tissue might give a "gummy smile." In this context, the removal of the excess gum tissue helps to expose more of the teeth, leading to improved aesthetics. Other listed procedures involve different aspects of gum treatment or care but not specifically the excision of gum tissue. For instance, gingivoplasty refers to reshaping the existing gum tissue rather than its removal, while debridement pertains to cleaning out diseased tissue or debris from periodontal pockets, and periodontal flap surgery involves lifting a section of gum tissue to provide access to the underlying bone for treatment rather than removing the tissue.