So What Is Gum Surgery?
Periodontal Surgery
If you have a serious gum infection, known as periodontal disease, your dentist might recommend surgery. This procedure can:
- remove bacteria from beneath your gums
- make it easier to clean your teeth
- reshape the bones that support your teeth
- prevent future gum damage
Who need to undergo
Gum Surgery?
People with severe or advanced disease around their gums and the tissues that support their teeth are usually candidates for periodontal surgery.
If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include:
- gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding
- deep pockets that form between your gums and teeth
- loose teeth
- pain when chewing
- bad breath
- gums that recede or pull away from your teeth
Your doctor will let you know if you could benefit from periodontal surgery. Your dentist might recommend more conservative treatment approaches if your gum disease isn’t advanced.
Procedure
A dentist or periodontist performs the surgery. There are different types of surgical options. Your doctor will determine what type of surgery or surgeries are appropriate for your specific condition.
Flap surgery
With this common procedure, surgeons make small cuts in your gum and lift a section of tissue back. Then, they remove tartar and bacteria from your tooth and from under your gums. The gums are sutured back, so the tissue fits firmly around your teeth. Once you heal, it will be easier to clean areas on your teeth and gums.
Bone Grafting
If gum disease has damaged the bone surrounding your tooth root, your dentist might have to replace it with a graft. The bone graft can be made from small parts of your own bone, a synthetic bone, or donated bone. This procedure helps prevent tooth loss and may help promote natural bone regrowth.
