In discussions about oral health, much of the conversation revolves around teeth—how white, even, large or small the teeth are, and more. Yet, your gums play just as an important role in your overall oral health.
Those individuals who struggle with gum disease—also called periodontitis—can have a range of issues, from bleeding gums to tooth loss. To address certain types of periodontal disease, sometimes the only solution is to have a cosmetic dentist perform gum surgery.
What Is Gum Surgery
Gum surgery—also called periodontal surgery—is a blanket term to describe a range of oral surgeries that address gum issues.
Generally, regular teeth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash is enough to keep bacteria under control. However, if there is an overgrowth that invades between the teeth and gums to infect the sensitive gum tissue. The infection of the gum tissue often requires surgery to remove the trapped bacteria and alleviate issues associated with gum disease.
What Does Gum Surgery Treat
The main focus of gum surgery is to release and clean out trapped bacteria. However, that process can treat a range of issues, such as:
- Reduce gaps—where gum tissue normally is—between teeth.
- Clean out pockets of bacteria.
- Prevent tooth loss due to periodontitis.
- Alleviate pain due to trapped bacteria.
- Help regenerate gum tissue.
- Repair damage to jawbone due to gum disease.
Types Of Periodontal Surgery
There are multiple types of periodontal surgery to address the various problems that can occur due to gum disease.
Gingival flap surgery – Also called pocket reduction, when you receive gingival flap surgery, your gums will be folded back and away from your gums. Once out of the way, the trapped bacteria are accessible and can be cleaned out. After the cleaning, the gums are re-attached to ensure that they heal properly.
Crown lengthening – When gums become overgrown, the excess tissue can be removed during crown lengthening surgery. This gum surgery can be used to help with both periodontal disease and cosmetic effects.
Gum tissue regeneration – During this periodontal surgery, mesh-like material is placed between the gum tissue and bone. That way, gum tissue can properly redevelop connective tissue without interfering with the bone.
Gum tissue grafting – Sometimes, periodontitis will cause gum tissue to recede. To correct this issue, gum tissue grafting will take place. Often, the donor graft comes from the roof of your mouth and is attached to the receded area.
Jawbone grafting – Gum disease can impact jawbone dentistry and destroy the area around the tooth. To restore the area, donor bone will be placed in the affected area and hold the tooth in place as the jawbone regenerates.
How To Get Ready For Gum Surgery
Should you end up needing our dental services for gum surgery, there are several things we will do to help assess and prepare you for your surgery.
To start, you will need to undergo a comprehensive evaluation with our dentist. Dr. Taylor will review your medical history and perform an examination of your mouth. After he checks for any other complications—i.e., abscesses, untreated cavities, etc.—our dentist will discuss your options.
Once you agree to your gum surgery procedure, Dr. Taylor can provide you with exact instructions regarding preparation and recovery after your gum surgery.
Gum Surgery Recovery
Your recovery from periodontal surgery will depend on how extensive your procedure way, as well as your compliance with recovery guidelines. Some general guidelines that come with gum surgery are:
- Use pain killer medication as directed
- Do not engage in vigorous-intensity exercise
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Do not smoke or use any nicotine products
- Stick to soft foods for a least a few days
If you are concerned about your gums and would like a checkup with our cosmetic dentist, please contact us today to set up your consultation.
