When you think of dental procedures, you likely think of treatments involving the teeth. The truth is that your gum tissue plays just as important of a role to your oral health. To restore the health of your gums and prevent further damage, periodontal surgery is sometimes necessary. Continue reading to learn about some of the different types of gum procedures and how they work.
What Types of Gum Surgery Are Out There?
Gum surgery can mean a variety of different things. Here are some of the most common:
- Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is a type of gum surgery that involves removing excess gum tissue reduce pockets between the teeth and gums. This can help to prevent further gum disease-related damage.
- Flap Surgery: Flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, is a procedure that involves lifting the gums away from the teeth to clean away deep tartar beneath them.
- Gum Grafting: A gum graft is often used for patients who have receding gums or exposed tooth roots. Health tissue is taken from other areas of the mouth and is grafted onto area with thinning or damaged tissue.
- Bone Grafting: If you have advanced periodontal disease, you might require bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration surgery to restore lost bone tissue from certain areas of the mouth. This procedure is sometimes necessary before patients can replace their missing teeth with dental implants.
What to Expect for Gum Surgery
If you have gum surgery coming up, here is what you can typically expect:
- Before Your Surgery: During your consultation, you will go over any health conditions you have and the medications you are taking to ensure that there won’t be any negative reactions. Before your surgery begins, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area.
- After Your Surgery: After your surgery is complete, your dentist may place a periodontal pack, a special surgical dressing, over the surgical site. You will need to return for a follow-up approximately 7-10 days later.
What Does Gum Surgery Recovery Look Like?
After your procedure, you will likely experience some discomfort and inflammation in the area. You may also have some bleeding and need to swap out gauze depending on the type of surgery you underwent. Closely follow your dentist’s instructions. This may include sticking to a soft-food diet, using a cold compress, and taking prescribed medication. Remember to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing around the surgical site and rinsing with saltwater. Avoid using tobacco products because they can slow down the healing process.
Gum surgery is sometimes necessary to restore the health of your smile. By working with your dentist and closely following their instructions, you will be closer to having excellent periodontal health.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Dallas, GA community. If you have concerns regarding your periodontal health, they would be happy to take a look. To learn more and gum disease and periodontal surgery or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (770) 445-6606.
