Which term describes the surgical removal of periodontal tissue?

The term that describes the surgical removal of periodontal tissue is gingivectomy. This procedure involves the excision of gum tissue to eliminate pockets of infection or to reduce gingival overgrowth. It is commonly performed to improve access for cleaning and to enhance the aesthetics of the gums.

In gingivectomy, the focus is on the soft tissue of the gingiva itself, making it a specific treatment for periodontal conditions where excess or unhealthy gum tissue is present. The procedure can help in reshaping the gum contour to facilitate better oral hygiene practices and potentially reduce inflammation and further periodontal disease.

While periodontal flap surgery also involves surgical manipulation of the periodontal tissues, it typically involves lifting the gums to allow for access to tooth roots and bone for treatment of more advanced periodontal disease, rather than removal of tissue. Bone grafting is a technique used to restore or regenerate bone but does not involve the removal of periodontal tissue. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical dental procedure focusing on cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and roots but does not involve any surgical removal of tissue.