The term, periodontal involves the gums and structures that support teeth. So, when you are told you need periodontal oral surgery, that means that you need surgery involving your gums and jawbone.
If you need gum surgery, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist, a specialist who is an expert in periodontal oral surgery. In most cases, periodontists rid your teeth of disease, repair your gums and bone, save your teeth, or replace missing teeth.
Periodontal oral surgery is typically to treat disease and replace missing teeth, but can also help you achieve a more attractive smile.
You may be a candidate for periodontal oral surgery if you have any of the following:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth.
- Overgrown gum tissue
- A gummy smile
- Missing teeth
- Ill-fitting partials for dentures
Periodontal Disease Surgery:
This type of surgery rids the mouth of periodontitis, which is a destructive infection of the gums and bone. This surgery also helps to repair gum and bone damage, promoting healthier gums and tooth preservation. If you have active gum disease, loose teeth, or gum pain, you may need periodontal disease surgery.
Types of Periodontal Disease Surgery Include:
- Pocket Reduction Surgery
- Bone Grafting & Guided Tissue Regeneration
- Laser Therapy
Gingival (gum) Surgery:
This type of surgery focuses on repaired and reshaping your gums tissue, which is called gingiva. If you have receding gums, overgrown gums, or need gum reshaping before getting dental work such as a crown, you may need gingival surgery.
Types of Gingival Surgery Include:
- Soft Tissue Grafts
- Crown Lengthening
- Gingival Reshaping
Dental Implant Surgery:
This type of surgery is available to replace teeth that have been lost due to periodontal disease, trauma, or decay. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or be placed to support dentures and partials. Dental implant surgery can rebuild your smile in the most healthy way.
Type of Dental Implant Surgery Include:
- Placement of Dental Implants
- Treatment of Failing Implants (Peri-implant Disease)
While sometimes, gum disease can be treated without surgery, your periodontist will evaluate your mouth to determine your level of disease and give you options for treatment. If gum disease is treated early, surgery may be preventable or can be delayed, which is why a periodontal assessment is so important.
Sometimes, periodontal oral surgery can be completed with laser surgery, which is less invasive and can be done without incisions and sutures! Laser periodontal oral surgery is one of the newest and most progressive periodontal treatments offered to periodontal patients in Central PA!
If a periodontist evaluation is recommended, here are some ways to prepare for the best possible outcomes:
- Bring your list of medications to your initial visit so that your periodontist can identify any that may interfere with surgery.
- Ask questions and discuss any concerns that you may have.
The idea of gum surgery may be stressful or even scary. But thanks to the newest techniques, periodontal oral surgery offers options that are much less uncomfortable and more predictable. This means that periodontal oral surgery offers you an easier way to achieve a healthier mouth.
If your periodontist recommends surgery, you should know that treatment will be planned by an expert in periodontal oral surgery. Healthy gums lead to a healthier mouth, which contributes to better overall health.