Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and bone damage. Poor oral hygiene, the buildup of tartar, and plaque can cause a condition called gingivitis. This causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of gums. An advanced and severe form of gingivitis is periodontitis that has an inflammatory response that damages tissues and bone. Due to this, the gums around the teeth begin to detach, and the exposed pockets fill up with bacteria that cause harmful infections.
Depending on the severity of the condition, professional help can reverse the condition. While non-surgical treatments such as scaling, root planing, and antibiotics can do the trick in some cases, other patients may require surgical treatment.
Surgical Treatments for Periodontal Disease
You would be a candidate for periodontal surgery if the disease has advanced and has affected the gums and tissues surrounding your teeth. The surgery can remove the bacteria in the gum pockets, reshape the bone to support your teeth, and prevent further gum damage.
Types of Surgical Procedures for Periodontal Disease
Your dentists will recommend any of the following surgeries based on the current condition of your gums:
Flap Surgery
This is a pocket reduction surgery wherein the periodontist will make a tiny incision in your gum and lift the gums off of the teeth. This will help get rid of the tartar buildup and completely clean the pocket. In serious cases where the bone has suffered damage, it may have to be reshaped during the procedure.
Bone Grafting
Sometimes, the bone is damaged to the extent that it needs a replacement. Bone grafting is a technique in which a fragment of the patient’s own bone, a donated bone, or a synthetic bone is placed to help the bone regrow and offer support to the tooth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
If the gum line has receded due to the loss of gum tissue, the soft tissues need to be reinforced by surgery. A small amount of tissue is removed from the roof of your mouth and attached to the affected site. This prevents further damage and covers exposed teeth roots.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
This surgical technique that aims at regrowth of the bone involves placing a small biocompatible fabric between the tooth and bone. The material prevents the gum from reaching into the bone space and allows the connective tissue and bone to regrow.
Tissue-stimulating Proteins
In specific cases, the dentist applies a special gel to the diseased tooth root. This gel is made using the same proteins that are used to develop tooth enamel. Hence, it encourages the growth of healthy bone and tissue.
Recovery Post Periodontal Surgery
The recovery depends on the severity of the periodontal disease and the procedure conducted. Minor bleeding or discomfort is common. Listen to your dentist’s instructions carefully, take the necessary antibiotics, and use the specially recommended mouth rinse. You may have to avoid brushing and flossing around the area where the surgery was conducted until it has healed. You should be able to resume other regular activities a day after the surgery.
Follow dental hygiene habits and ensure regular follow-ups with your dentist to maintain good oral health. Reach out to us on-call 925-833-9500 or schedule an online appointment to have a consultation with our dentist, and we’ll be happy to guide you further.