There are different types of surgical gum procedures that can be performed to treat gum disease. At Perio NW, we offer the following surgical gum procedures:
- Pocket reduction/gingival flap surgery: the gums are folded back and bacteria is removed from the inside of the gum tissue. The gums are then secured to the teeth, so that they heal over the exposed tooth roots.
- Gum regeneration surgery: the gums are folded back and bacteria is removed. Then, bone grafts, membranes, or tissue stimulating proteins are placed to encourage the regeneration of your gum tissue.
- Crown Lengthening: this procedure removes excess gum tissue in order to make your teeth appear longer. It can be used to treat gum disease or for cosmetic purposes.
- Soft Tissue Graft: tissue is taken from another area in the mouth and then grafted onto areas where the gum tissue has receded or been removed due to gum disease. For more information, see our Bone and Tissue Grafting page.
Did You Know?
Healthy gums are important for your overall wellness. Periodontal surgery can decrease the risk of tooth loss and further gum damage, as well as other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need gum surgery?
Your periodontist may recommend gum surgery if you have severe or advanced periodontal disease. Some potential signs that you may benefit from gum surgery include:
- Pain when chewing
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
- Receded gums
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Perpetual bad breath
- Loose teeth
To determine if gum surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation at Perio NW today.
What can I expect when having gum surgery performed at Perio NW?
Before having gum surgery at Perio NW, you may be instructed to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin, pain relievers, and blood thinners. You will also need to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure. In some cases, you may also be instructed to take antibiotics before your procedure to decrease the risk of postoperative infection.
When having gum surgery at Perio NW, you can expect to be properly sedated and anesthetized to maintain your comfort. Our office uses conscious sedation, meaning that you will be awake and aware, but very calm. Your mouth will be numb, however, so you will not feel anything. Your expectations will vary slightly depending on the exact procedure that is being performed,however all of our gum surgeries are performed in our office as outpatient procedures.
What can I expect after having gum surgery?
Your exact expectations following gum surgery will depend on how severe your gum disease is, your overall health, and what procedure was performed. Generally speaking, you can expect to experience some minor bleeding and discomfort in the first few days following surgery. However, most people are able to return to their usual routine the day after surgery. To aid in your recovery, you will need to follow any postoperative instructions provided by your periodontist. These normally include things like eating a temporary soft foods diet, not brushing or flossing around the surgical site, and using a medicated mouth rinse to keep the surgical site clean.
