Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal Surgery Overview
Periodontal diseases are the bacteria and the host response causing inflammation and damage to the periodontium (supporting tissues of teeth including bone, gum, ligaments). It’s called gingivitis when inflammation is localized to the gum. Periodontitis occurs when other supporting tissues are affected and there is a loss of gum and/or bone. Surgery can be done to treat periodontitis and prevent progression of the disease. Regeneration therapy, including growing back lost periodontium including bone and gum, is also a type of periodontal surgery. Bone graft, sinus lift/elevation, soft tissue graft, and dental implants are all part of periodontal surgical services.
What Does Periodontal Surgery Treat?
Periodontal surgery may be necessary to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontal surgery treats the following conditions:
- Periodontitis
- Disease of Supporting Tissue of the Teeth (both bone and gum)
- Gum Recession
- Gummy Smile
- Tooth Loss Prevention
- Removal of Gum Gaps between Teeth
How to Prepare
Before Periodontal Surgery an evaluation and overview with Dr. Kim will be discussed to prepare for the procedure…
- A comprehensive dental exam will be done including dental X-rays taken and models made of your teeth and mouth. You also may need a special type of computed tomography (CT) scan, that will allow the dentist to accurately measure the height and width of your existing bone to evaluate the health of your teeth and jaw bone.
- Treatment plan. 212 Smiling will tailor a treatment plan to account all factors of the procedure. If the surgery is invasive we will take into account the factors and the procedure with a timely thought out plan. This will include a walkthrough of the procedure, a step by sept treatment guide and a follow up an appointment if needed.
Make sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
Anesthesia may be used to control the pain during your procedure. The 212 Smiling team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on the type of anesthesia. If general anesthesia is used, someone will have to assist you home after surgery and expect to rest for the day.
How Periodontal Surgery is Performed
Periodontal diseases are the bacteria and the host response causing inflammation and damage to the periodontium or the supporting tissues of teeth including bone, gum, ligaments. The surgery may look something like this:
- The dental surgeon will make small incisions or cuts along the gum line
- Lift the gums away from the teeth allowing the dentist to see the roots
- Remove and clean away any tartar, plaque, or infection
After the Procedure
After Periodontal Surgery, you may experience some of the typical discomforts associated with any type of dental procedure, such as:
- Minor bleeding
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain or discomfort
If swelling, discomfort or any other problem gets worse after surgery, contact your dentist as you may need pain medications or antibiotics. You may need to eat soft foods while the procedure site heals. Typically, your dental surgeon or dentist will use stitches, if invasive, that dissolve on their own, but if not your dental surgeon or dentist will have to remove them.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call us today at 212-SMILING (212-764-5464) to schedule a visit with our Board Certified Periodontist Dr. Yung Kim to ensure your teeth and gums are in top condition.