Gingivectomy & Frenectomy in Tribeca
Small, precise gum procedures that make your gums easier to care for and your smile more balanced.
A gingivectomy removes and reshapes extra gum tissue. It can clear pockets that trap bacteria, trim gums that have overgrown from medication or inflammation, and even out a gumline before a crown or veneer.
A frenectomy releases a frenum, the small band of tissue that ties the lip or tongue to the gums. When it’s too tight, it can pull on the gums or hold a gap open.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Toscano, DDS, MS, board-certified periodontist · Updated October 2026
Is this for you?
- Gums that cover more of your teeth than you’d like
- Swollen or overgrown gum tissue
- Pockets that stay deep after a cleaning
- A tight band of tissue pulling on your gumline
- A gap between your front teeth that keeps coming back
- You’re planning crowns or veneers and need more tooth showing
What to expect
- 01
Evaluation
Dr. Toscano checks your gum tissue, pocket depths and frenum attachment. Where the goal is cosmetic, Dr. Moezinia joins to plan the gumline with your smile.
- 02
Treatment visit
The area is numbed. Extra gum tissue is trimmed and shaped, or the frenum is released. Most visits are short and done in one appointment.
- 03
Healing
Mild soreness for a few days is normal. We’ll suggest soft foods and gentle care around the area, plus any rinse you need.
- 04
Follow-up
We check that the tissue is healing well. If cosmetic work is next, Dr. Moezinia picks up from there.
Why Empower Your Smile
Health and looks, in one plan
Dr. Toscano focuses on gum health and Dr. Moezinia on the look of your smile, so any reshaping supports both.
Board-certified periodontist
Dr. Toscano is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and holds an MS from George Washington University and a periodontal certificate from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School.
Comfortable, covered care
Sedation options are available for anxious patients. We’re in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Anthem PPOs, and accept CareCredit.
Gingivectomy vs. crown lengthening
A gingivectomy reshapes gum tissue only. It works well when the gums have grown over the teeth and the bone underneath sits at a healthy level.
When the bone also sits too close to the tooth edge, crown lengthening adjusts both gum and bone. Your evaluation shows which one fits, and our gummy smile page covers the cosmetic side in more detail.
Questions, answered
Something else on your mind? Call us at (212) 274-8338.
What is a gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a minor procedure that removes and reshapes extra gum tissue. It can reduce pockets that trap bacteria, trim overgrown gums or even out an uneven gumline. It’s done with local anesthesia, usually in one visit.
How long does it take to heal from a gingivectomy?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. The gums keep maturing over the following weeks. We’ll give you simple care steps and check the area at a follow-up.
What is a frenectomy for adults?
For adults, a frenectomy is often done when a tight lip frenum pulls on the gums and adds to recession, or when it helps keep a gap between the front teeth open. Releasing it can protect the gums and support orthodontic or cosmetic treatment.
Does a frenectomy hurt?
The area is numbed, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relief.
Can a gingivectomy fix a gummy smile?
Sometimes. If extra gum tissue is covering the teeth, a gingivectomy can show more of each tooth. If bone or lip movement is part of the cause, another approach may suit you better, and we’ll explain the options at your visit.
You may also consider
Gummy Smile TreatmentGummy smile treatment in NYC that finds the real cause first, then rebalances your gums and teeth so your smile shows more of you.
Gum GraftingGum grafting covers exposed roots, eases sensitivity and brings your gumline back into balance.
Gum Disease TreatmentCalm, step-by-step care that helps bring gum disease under control and protects the teeth you have, led by board-certified periodontist Dr. Nicholas Toscano.
Come say bonjour.
35A Walker Street, in the heart of Tribeca, one block south of Canal Street.
Subway: Canal St (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, J, Z and 6) and Franklin St (1), each a few minutes on foot. Just south of SoHo, and a short walk from Hudson Square, Chinatown and City Hall.
| Mon, Tue, Thu | 8 am – 6 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Friday | 9 am – 2 pm |
| Sat – Sun | Closed |