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What Is Reduction Surgery in Dentistry?
Reduction surgery is a category of dental procedures that involve the reshaping, removal, or repositioning of soft tissue in and around the mouth. These procedures may be recommended for cosmetic reasons (such as addressing a "gummy smile"), health-related reasons (such as eliminating pockets of bacteria-harboring gum tissue), or functional reasons (such as releasing a tight frenum that restricts tongue movement or pulls on gum tissue).
Each procedure is minimally invasive and performed with patient comfort as a top priority. Our team uses modern techniques and, where appropriate, laser-assisted tools that reduce bleeding, minimize discomfort, and promote faster healing compared to traditional surgical approaches.
What Reduction Surgery Services Do We Provide?
We offer four types of reduction procedures designed to give you a healthier, more balanced smile that you can maintain for years to come.
Osseous Surgery: A periodontal procedure that removes infected tissue and smooths bone irregularities to treat advanced gum disease and eliminate deep bacterial pockets.
Gingivectomy: The removal and reshaping of excess or diseased gum tissue, used to treat gum overgrowth, reduce periodontal pockets, or correct a gummy smile.
Frenectomy: The release of a tight or mispositioned frenum (the small tissue band connecting the lip or tongue to the gum) to resolve tongue tie, lip tie, gaps, or gum recession.
Dental Bonding: The application of tooth-colored composite resin to repair, reshape, or refine a tooth's appearance — often used to complement other soft tissue procedures.
Want to Learn More About Reduction Surgery?
If you've been told you need a gum procedure — or if you're bothered by the appearance or feel of your gum tissue — the team at Bethesda Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help. We'll evaluate your mouth, explain your options in plain language, and recommend the procedure most likely to give you the outcome you're looking for. Call us or schedule a consultation online.
