ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
Overgrown or diseased gum tissue can affect more than the appearance of your smile. It can trap bacteria, make brushing and flossing difficult, and even interfere with the fit of dental restorations. Whether the concern is a gum line that covers too much of the tooth, lingering inflammation after periodontal treatment, or tissue changes tied to certain medications, many people in Virginia Beach are searching for a solution that restores comfort and confidence in their smile.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, our team of oral surgeons has built a hometown practice that Hampton Roads families and referring dentists can rely on for a full range of oral surgery procedures. Because we are independently owned, our doctors have the flexibility to design a treatment plan around what is best for each patient rather than a corporate protocol. This approach allows patients throughout Virginia Beach to receive care rooted in precision and genuine personal attention at every visit.
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue, typically to eliminate pockets where bacteria collect or to expose more of the tooth structure. It is considered a minor surgical treatment, and it can typically be completed in a single office visit with local anesthesia. Removing this tissue gives patients a gumline that is easier to clean at home, which supports the long-term health of the teeth and the surrounding bone.
This procedure is often recommended after non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, have not fully resolved a deep pocket or after tissue has thickened to the point that home care alone cannot keep it healthy. Because every patient’s gum tissue responds differently to treatment, our surgical team evaluates each case individually before recommending a gingivectomy. This individualized approach helps ensure the procedure addresses the specific tissue concern rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Patients are referred for a gingivectomy for a variety of reasons, and the right approach depends on the specific tissue concern involved. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis is a common type of gum disease among U.S. adults, with about four in ten adults 30 years or older experiencing a mild, moderate, or severe level of the condition. Left unaddressed, this kind of tissue involvement can contribute to the very concerns that make a gingivectomy necessary.
Common reasons a referring dentist or patient may request this procedure include the following.
Once the underlying cause is identified, our surgical team can determine whether a gingivectomy is the right solution, or whether additional periodontal treatment should happen first.
Before any gum tissue is removed, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the tissue and surrounding structures, which may include imaging to assess bone levels beneath the gumline. Local anesthesia is used to keep the treatment area comfortable throughout the appointment, and in many cases, sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious about surgical care.
During the procedure, our surgeons carefully remove the targeted tissue with precise surgical instruments. The goal is always to leave behind healthy, functional gum tissue that supports the teeth properly and is easier to maintain with regular brushing and flossing at home.
Most patients experience mild soreness and some sensitivity in the treated area for several days, and this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft-food diet. Our office provides detailed guidance for the days following your procedure, similar to the care instructions we offer after other surgical treatments, such as tooth extractions.
Gum tissue changes rarely occur in isolation, which is why our doctors evaluate the full picture of a patient’s oral health before recommending treatment. In some cases, a gingivectomy is performed alongside other procedures, such as bone grafting, particularly when tissue loss has affected the underlying bone structure.
If unusual tissue changes are noted during your evaluation, such as growths or lesions that do not resolve on their own, our team may also recommend further evaluation through our oral pathology services. Addressing these concerns together helps ensure a gingivectomy is both safe and effective for your long-term oral health.
Every gingivectomy performed at our Virginia Beach office is completed by one of our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Scott Goodove, Dr. Peter Zagursky, or Dr. Sam Fowler, rather than a rotating team of providers. This continuity matters, particularly for referring general dentists who want confidence that their patients are receiving consistent, high-quality surgical care from a familiar face.
We also work directly with referring dentists throughout Hampton Roads to coordinate care before and after surgery. This collaborative approach reflects our broader philosophy as an independent, community-focused practice that values long-term relationships over transactional care.
A gingivectomy offers an effective way to address excess or diseased gum tissue, whether the concern stems from periodontal disease, medication-related changes, or a gumline that covers too much of the tooth. With careful evaluation, precise surgical technique, and clear recovery guidance, this procedure can restore the health and function of your gumline in a single office visit.
Goodove Oral Surgery is an independent, community-focused practice by choice, and because we are locally owned and operated, our doctors have the flexibility to make decisions based on what is best for each patient and family. This allows us to provide a personalized experience, with direct access to your surgeon, continuity of care, and a team committed to building lasting relationships within the community we serve. If you may benefit from a gingivectomy, we invite you to contact our Virginia Beach office to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Goodove brings years of specialized oral surgery expertise to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, serving as your trusted hometown oral surgeon. With operating privileges at multiple local hospitals, Dr. Goodove delivers patient-centered care backed by advanced training and a commitment to creating comfortable, anxiety-free experiences. His philosophy of accessibility and personal attention sets the foundation for the practice's reputation as "the doctor's doctor" in the community.
Dr. Zagursky is a retired Army veteran who continues to serve the community through exceptional oral surgery care. With extensive military experience and specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Zagursky brings discipline, precision, and a deep commitment to patient welfare to every procedure. His background working with diverse patient populations and dedication to the underserved makes him an invaluable part of the Goodove Oral Surgery team.
Hi, I am a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who recently moved to Virginia. I am currently serving in the Air Force at Langley Air Force Base where I have been stationed for 2 years. For a few days a month I have the opportunity to be a part of the Goodove Oral Surgery team.
Born and raised in the greater Seattle area, Dr. Abu-Najem earned her DDS from the University of Washington and completed her Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, where she served as Chief Resident. Her training spans pediatric and adult surgery, facial trauma, emergency surgical care, and anesthesia.
Born and raised in Maine, Dr. Weirich earned his engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University and his dental degree from Columbia University. After receiving a Health Professions Scholarship through the U.S. Air Force, he completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Emory University, one of the busiest trauma centers in the country.
Trusted by referring dentists and families since 2008
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
