Gingival surgery: contour, recession and implant preparation

Gingival surgery changes the shape or position of the gum margin: covering exposed roots in recession, evening out the contour and preparing tissue for prosthetics and implants.

Key points

Gingival surgery is the surgical correction of the contour or position of the gum margin.
The clinic performs three procedures: treating recession, correcting the gum contour and increasing root coverage.
Indications and the extent of surgery are decided by the dentist after an examination.
Some goals are addressed together with implants and prosthetics rather than separately.
Prognosis and timing are individual and depend on the starting condition of the gum.

What gingival surgery does

The gum determines how a tooth looks: its visible length, the symmetry of its margin and the transition to neighbouring teeth. An uneven gum margin is visible in the smile and changes the conditions for hygiene.

Gingival surgery is the surgical correction of the contour or position of the gum margin. Tursunov Clinic performs three procedures: treating recession, correcting the gum contour and increasing root coverage.

Recession: when the root becomes exposed

In recession the gum margin moves down and exposes part of the root. An exposed root is not covered by enamel, so it responds differently to temperature and needs more careful brushing.

The causes vary. The dentist therefore establishes the cause first: closing a recession without addressing what caused it means returning to the same situation.

Gum contour and the smile line

An uneven gum margin makes teeth look different in length even when the teeth themselves are sound. Contour correction evens out that line.

This is usually addressed together with restoration or prosthetics: the shape of the tooth and the shape of the gum form one result.

The link with implants

Around an implant, the condition of the soft tissue matters as well as bone volume: it forms the margin of the future crown and covers the transition from crown to gum.

Work on the gum may therefore be part of implant preparation or a stage during treatment. Whether it is needed is decided by the surgeon.

How the consultation works

The dentist examines the gum, assesses its condition and the cause of the changes, and orders diagnostics if needed.

Exact timing, stages and cost depend on the starting situation, so they are determined at the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Is it painful?

How discomfort is managed, and what to expect during recovery, is explained by the dentist at the appointment — it depends on the extent of the procedure.

Can recession be closed without surgery?

It depends on the cause and extent. Some situations are managed by monitoring and hygiene, others require surgery.

Is this only aesthetic?

Not only. An exposed root is more sensitive and harder to clean, and soft-tissue condition affects the result of prosthetics and implants.

Is it done together with implants?

Yes, soft-tissue work can be part of implant preparation or a stage of treatment.

How much does it cost?

The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is determined after an examination.

Sources used to prepare this guide

Content updated: 2026-08-18