Gums problems that cannot be treated through non-surgical periodontal therapy will need to be treated with surgery. Although advancements in techniques and products are improving by the day, most periodontal surgeries fall into one of the following four categories.
Removing Tissue
Surgical pocket reduction procedures are used when scaling and root planing are not effective or appropriate due to the extent of pocketing. If you think of your tooth as a castle with a circular moat around its base, you can visualize the area we are trying to make ideal. Pockets (moats) above 4mm indicate bone loss and/or inflamed tissue. This unusual space harbors bacteria that destroy more bone over time. Pocket reduction creates an ideal and normal space that you can easily maintain with normal brushing and flossing.
Recontouring Bone
Crown lengthening is a way to create a healthy and beautiful smile by removing excess tissue and/or bone to expose more of a tooth. We often use this procedure to fix a “gummy smile.” The results are instant and very rewarding. Sometimes we crown lengthen prior to crown preparation as well.
Adding Tissue
Soft tissue grafts are used to cover root surfaces or grow new tissue where is has receded. There are usually two surgery sites to this procedure. The first is where the tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and the second is the area where the “patch” is placed with sutures.
Adding Bone
These are exciting times because more treatments are available for actually adding and growing new healthy bone and gum tissue than ever before. Bone grafts are often used prior to implant placement.
Periodontal surgery is designed to restore and regenerate normal and healthy function to lost and damaged mouth structures that support the teeth. Providing an environment more conducive to great oral hygiene and long-term maintenance, oral surgery gives our patients more control over their lives. Eliminating infection and restoring harmony also leads to happy patients and fantastic smiles.
If you have any questions, contact us today!