Flap surgery
Access to clean root surfaces and bone defects directly where pockets have not responded to deep cleaning.
Surgical periodontal treatment
Gum Surgery in Kathmandu
When deep cleaning cannot reach far enough, surgical access lets us clean root surfaces and bone defects directly. Gum surgery also reshapes gum contours where a gummy smile or uneven gumline is the concern.
- Performed by an MDS Periodontist in a sterile clinical setting
- Local anaesthetic, with clear aftercare and review visits
- Recommended only after non-surgical treatment has been tried
Overview
About Gum Surgery
Periodontal surgery is not a first step. It is what follows when pockets remain deep after thorough deep cleaning, when bone defects need direct access, or when the shape of the gum itself is the problem rather than the bacteria on it.
The most common procedure is flap surgery. The gum is gently lifted away from the tooth so the root surfaces and the bone underneath can be seen and cleaned properly, then repositioned and sutured. Access changes what is achievable: deposits that were invisible and unreachable through a pocket become straightforward to remove.
Other procedures address shape. A gingivectomy removes overgrown gum tissue. Crown lengthening exposes more of a tooth so a crown can be fitted properly, or so a gummy smile looks balanced. Grafting rebuilds tissue that has been lost. Which one applies is decided at the surgical assessment, with the reasoning explained before you agree to anything.
Treatment details
Types of gum surgery
Gingivectomy
Removal of overgrown or excess gum tissue, including overgrowth caused by certain medications.
Crown lengthening
Reshaping gum and bone to expose more tooth, either to restore a broken tooth properly or to even out a gummy smile.
Grafting procedures
Soft tissue grafts to cover exposed roots, and bone grafting where a defect needs rebuilding before implant placement.
Know the signs
When surgery is usually considered
- Pockets still 6mm or deeper after deep cleaning
- Bone defects visible on X-ray that need direct access
- Gum overgrowth covering the teeth
- A gummy smile where short-looking teeth are the concern
- A broken tooth with too little structure above the gum to crown
- Recession sites suitable for root coverage grafting
Patient journey
What to expect
We keep the process clear so you know what is happening at every stage.
Surgical assessment
We review your charting, X-rays and healing response so far, and confirm that surgery is the right next step.
Planning and consent
You are told what will be done, what the recovery involves, what it costs, and what the realistic outcome looks like.
The procedure
Carried out under local anaesthetic in a sterile setting, usually 45 to 90 minutes depending on the number of sites.
Healing and review
Sutures are typically removed after 7 to 14 days, with review visits to check healing and re-chart the site.
Why patients choose us
Why choose Gums & Giggles for gum surgery?
Specialist surgical training
Periodontal surgery is core to an MDS in Periodontics. Your surgery is planned and performed by that specialist.
Non-surgical first
We give deep cleaning a proper chance and re-measure before recommending an operation.
Clear costs before the day
A written estimate covering the procedure, review visits and suture removal, given at the planning stage.
Structured aftercare
Written instructions, pain relief guidance, a contact number, and scheduled review visits rather than an open-ended wait.
Aftercare
Recovering well after gum surgery
Do not disturb the site
No brushing directly over the surgical area until we say so. Use the mouthrinse provided instead.
Soft, cool food for a few days
Avoid hot, spicy and crunchy food while the site is healing, and chew on the other side.
No smoking
Smoking substantially impairs healing after periodontal surgery. This is the single most important thing you can control.
Call if something changes
Increasing swelling after day three, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or fever should be reported the same day.
Common questions
FAQs about Gum Surgery
Is gum surgery painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. Afterwards, most patients describe soreness and swelling for two to three days, managed with ordinary pain relief. Severe pain is not expected and should be reported.
How long is the recovery?
Most people return to normal routine the next day and eat comfortably within a few days. Sutures come out at 7 to 14 days. The gum tissue continues maturing for a few months, which is when the final contour is judged.
Can I avoid surgery?
Often, yes, if gum disease is treated early. Surgery becomes the option when pockets are too deep to clean any other way. We will always tell you what happens if you choose not to proceed, including the risk to the affected teeth.
Will the gum look different afterwards?
Usually, yes. After flap surgery the gum sits tighter against the tooth, so teeth can look slightly longer. This is a sign the pocket has closed. For aesthetic procedures like crown lengthening, the change in appearance is the intended result and is planned in advance.
Find us
Visit our clinic in Kathmandu
Conveniently located on Dhobidhara Marg, minutes from Lazimpat, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, and Thamel.
Clinic information
- Address
- Dhobidhara Marg, Near Kumari Hall, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
- Phone
- +977 984-1243430
- Hours
- Sunday to Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM
Considering gum surgery?
Book a surgical assessment with our periodontist. You will get a clear explanation of whether surgery is needed, and what it involves.