Gum Surgery in Norwood
Periodontists treat their patients with the most conservative measures possible, but sometimes surgery is necessary to facilitate oral health and aesthetics. Some of the reasons your periodontist may recommend gum surgery include:
- To restore gum tissues lost to periodontal disease. Also known as guided tissue regeneration, this procedure is often combined with bone grafting to help support the teeth.
- To cosmetically improve your gum line. Known as muco-gingival surgery, this procedure grafts soft oral tissues into the gum line to fill in areas that have become recessed. The gum grafts conceal exposed tooth roots to allow for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- To prepare your teeth for dental restorations. The purpose of this type of gum surgery is to reveal more of the tooth’s root, effectively lengthening the crown of the tooth. Crown lengthening is reserved for patients who have decay below the gum line or have inadequate tooth structure to support a dental restoration.
Did you know…
that your jaw bone and gums should naturally hug the roots of each tooth, encircling the base of the crown to hold it in place? But when gum disease is allowed to progress, the gums can recede and begin to create ‘pockets’ around the teeth that will only become deeper with time. As bacteria proliferate in these pockets, patients experience further bone and tissue loss. [City] gum surgery is often the most conservative solution for patients with advanced gum disease – otherwise leaving the option of eventually having the teeth extracted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery refers to surgical procedures performed to treat advanced periodontal disease and restore the health of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and surrounding bone.
When is periodontal surgery recommended?
Periodontal surgery may be recommended when periodontal disease has progressed beyond what can be managed with non-surgical treatment alone. Surgical procedures allow the doctor to access infected areas, reduce periodontal pockets, and help restore the health of the supporting tissues.
What types of periodontal surgical procedures are performed?
Depending on the clinical condition, periodontal surgery may include pocket reduction procedures, regenerative techniques, osseous surgery, and soft tissue grafting to help restore the health and stability of the supporting tissues around the teeth.
Can periodontal surgery help preserve natural teeth?
In selected cases, periodontal surgery may help preserve natural teeth by controlling infection, reducing periodontal pockets, and improving the health and stability of the supporting gums and bone.
How long does healing take after periodontal surgery?
Healing time depends on the type and extent of the procedure performed. Most patients experience gradual improvement during the healing period as the tissues recover.
What should I expect after periodontal surgery?
Swelling and temporary discomfort may occur following periodontal surgery as part of the normal healing response. Most patients recover uneventfully when post-operative instructions are followed and proper oral hygiene is maintained during healing.