Periodontal surgery
protect your smile & prevent decay
Overview
Periodontal surgery is a treatment designed to address advanced gum disease and help restore the health of your gums and the tissues supporting your teeth.
When deep periodontal pockets develop due to gum disease and cannot be adequately treated with non-surgical methods, periodontal flap surgery may be recommended. This procedure allows the dentist to access and thoroughly clean the affected areas beneath the gumline, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria that are difficult to reach through routine cleaning.
By reducing periodontal pocket depth and improving gum health, the procedure helps control infection, prevent further damage, and support the long-term preservation of your natural teeth.
Procedure Details
Examination and Treatment Planning
The dentist evaluates your gum health, measures periodontal pocket depths, and reviews dental X-rays to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Gum Tissue Access and Deep Cleaning
The gum tissue is gently lifted to expose the tooth roots and surrounding bone. Plaque, tartar, and affected tissue are removed, and the root surfaces are carefully cleaned.
Gum Repositioning and Suturing
After cleaning, the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures to support healing and help reduce periodontal pocket depth.
Healing and Recovery
Some swelling, tenderness, or minor bleeding may occur following surgery. The dentist will provide postoperative instructions regarding oral hygiene, diet, and care of the surgical area.
Follow-Up Care
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary. Regular periodontal maintenance and good oral hygiene are essential to help maintain the results of treatment.
Types of Periodontal Surgeries
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Flap surgery is most often used on patients who suffer from deep-pocket tartar deposits. This procedure moves the gums away from the teeth to allow for the removal of the built-up tartar. The gums are then stitched back around the teeth to heal. In serious cases, bone reshaping may be performed at the same time.
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Sometimes the bones that are around the root get damaged. In this case, our dentist will replace the damage with a graft from another part of the body, a donated bone, or a bone substitute. This will help hold the existing tooth in place and prevent further damage.
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If the gum line in a patient has gone into recession by the loss of gum tissue, a soft tissue graft can prevent further damage. Soft tissue is taken from one part of the body, such as the roof mouth, and grafted to the treatment area.
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Sometimes our dentist will need to help direct your gum tissue to regenerate. In these cases, we will place a mesh between the gum tissue and the bone. This allows the tissues to regenerate and the bone to re-grow without the gums invading the space.