When is a gingivectomy (gum reduction) needed?

Several reasons: There are several indications for this procedure. It can be used for esthetic lengthening of the crowns of teeth, to reduce pockets found in periodontal disease, as well as some other indications.

Different reasons: Gingivectomy is removing excess gum tissue or gingiva: if there is over growth of tissue in an esthetic zone, or in an area where a crown or cap is indicated and the tissue is in the way. For esthetic reasons sometimes patients show too much gum when they smile so the gum can get recon toured or cut back. Sometimes the front teeth look too short because there is again too much gum showing.