Periodontal Surgery
We conduct a careful gum examination during each visit. Our goal is to detect gum disease at the earliest stage. Depending on the progression of disease we will recommend the therapy which can best help our patients. We perform various procedures like gum surgeries, gum recontouring, GBR and GTR.
Periodontal surgery is designed to restore form and function to the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, and the bone that supports your teeth or an individual tooth. The real long-term goal of any periodontal surgery is to increase the life expectancy of the teeth and their usefulness. Basically, periodontal surgery removes UNHEALTHY tissue that has been transformed by the disease and then reconstructs the gums and surrounding tissues to better support the teeth and to recreate a normal appearance.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed when gingival or gum tissue attachment to the teeth is abnormal and bone changes may be evident through x-rays. We will determine the degree of periodontal disease by examining “pockets” between the gum and tooth to see how much ATTACHMENT LOSS exists and then will thoroughly examine the x-rays.
When periodontal disease is detected, the first recommendation is a few behavioral changes including an enhanced oral hygiene program, quitting smoking, and possibly some additional lifestyle changes.
A regular and thorough professional tartar or calcified plaque removal program will become an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Typically this is a painless procedure but, in some extreme cases, pain medication may be required for a few days.
In cases of the severe periodontal disease, surgery will be necessary to repair and regenerate the soft and hard tissues and replace any missing teeth. The goal of surgery is to eliminate pockets between the gum and tooth and attempt to encourage reattachment and normal function and esthetics to the patient.
Procedures that regenerate lost bone and tissue supporting your teeth can reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease.
While steps can be taken to alleviate the ravages of periodontal disease, the best step is prevention. Remove plaque and bacteria through daily brushing, flossing, and regular oral hygiene. Routine visits to a dental professional for cleanings are also essential. Quitting smoking has proven to be very helpful in preventing the onset of periodontal disease.