What is Periodontal (Gum) Surgery?

When the word 'surgery' is mentioned by your periodontist, any individual is likely to get scared. Therefore knowing the need and the technique for the surgery is very important. That would itself drive away your fear and make your experience with surgery less scary.

Gingivitis (inflammation of your gums) occurs when oral hygiene is not maintained for long periods of time and when tartar and plaque start to build up over your teeth. It is manifested as redness of gums, bleeding and swelling. It progresses to Periodontitis (inflammation of the support structures of your gums) which involves bone loss, periodontal pocket (gaps between your gums and teeth), gingival recession (receding gums) and mobile teeth (loose teeth).

If you have been diagnosed with the above diseases or any other periodontal problems, it is essential for you to pay more attention to your gums. If untreated, these problems will progress to the requirement of more expensive surgeries.

The treatment for these diseases begins by deep scaling which helps to remove the tartar and build up over your teeth. It also includes root planing wherein the root surface is smoothened to facilitate adequate healing. You would be asked to report for follow-ups wherein the condition of your gums would be reassessed. If the separation of the gums from your teeth exists (deep periodontal pockets), a periodontal surgery would be required. The risks and benefits would be weighed during the examination of your gums and you would be scheduled for the surgery.

Periodontal (gum) surgery may involve the following types of procedures:

Periodontal flap surgery - Your periodontist will gently lift the gums off your teeth under anesthesia, clean the tartar which is causing the separation between your teeth and the gums and then the gums would be placed back using stitches.

Bone grafting - In case of bone loss around your teeth, your periodontist will fill up the defect with bone graft. At certain times, a thin mesh like material (membrane) is placed over the bone graft between your gums and bone for optimum regeneration of the tissue.

Tissue grafting - For the treatment of receding gums, your periodontist will remove tissue from one part of the body and reattach it to the recessed areas with stitches for coverage of the exposed root surface.

Post surgery, instructions would be explained to you properly and a recall visit would be scheduled after 1-2 weeks to check for the healing and to remove the stitches. Follow-ups at regular intervals are very important after the surgery to ensure that the disease has been completely cured and oral hygiene is adequately maintained. 

After periodontal surgery, you can expect your gums to be firmer and stronger. Therefore, don't ignore gum diseases and get yourself treated on time.

If you would like to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases, please contact us.


Dr. Shraddha Karkhanis

1 Smile One Care

BDS,MDS

Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

Contact number - 9820497737

Clinic Address - Shop no 3, Arya Kreeda Mandal, Maharshi Karve Road, Naupada, Thane west 400602



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