There are various reasons that a patient would choose to have gum surgery. The symmetry of the teeth can change the appearance of the face.
By removing areas of the gum, we can contour around the teeth to give a more appealing appearance to the gums.
Sometimes if patients have a 'gummy' smile, the clinician can remove some of the gum to reveal more of the dentition and improve the smile.
Gum surgery, also known as periodontal surgery, is a broad term encompassing various procedures performed by a periodontist (gum specialist) to address a range of gum-related issues. These issues can stem from gum disease, a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and supporting bone, or from cosmetic concerns. Depending on the specific problem, gum surgery can aim to remove infection, regenerate lost bone tissue, reshape gum tissue for better aesthetics, or expose impacted teeth. Let's delve into the different types of gum surgery treatments available.
This procedure is used to address gum recession, where the gum tissue wears away and exposes the tooth root. Recession can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, or misaligned teeth.
There are a few different grafting techniques, depending on the severity of recession and the amount of tissue needed. In some cases, tissue is harvested from another area of your mouth, such as the palate. Alternatively, donor tissue or synthetic materials may be used. The periodontist will carefully place the graft material over the exposed root and secure it with sutures.
Similar to flap surgery, with some discomfort and swelling for several days. Soft food diet and meticulous oral hygiene are crucial for successful healing.
In severe cases of gum disease, bone loss can occur around the teeth. Bone grafting procedures aim to regenerate this lost bone to provide better support for the teeth.
There are various bone grafting materials available, including your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic bone substitutes. The periodontist will place the grafting material in the defect between the bone and tooth root. A membrane may be used to cover the graft and promote healing.
This procedure can be more complex depending on the amount of bone grafting needed. Discomfort and swelling can be expected for a week or more, and a soft food diet is recommended.
This is a relatively new approach that uses a laser instead of a scalpel for some gum procedures. Similar to traditional flap surgery, but the laser precisely removes diseased tissue and targets bacteria. It utilizes a focused beam of light to remove diseased tissue and target bacteria in the gums.
Laser gum surgery offers a potentially less invasive and potentially faster healing approach to treating gum disease and performing certain other gum procedures. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're considering laser gum surgery, discuss it with our dentist to determine if it's the most suitable option for your specific situation and weigh the potential benefits and considerations.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing or revising a frenum, a small fold of tissue that connects two areas in your mouth. The procedure is typically an outpatient procedure performed by a periodontist with local anesthesia to numb the area.
You'll be given specific instructions on caring for the surgical site, including pain management, oral hygiene practices, and dietary restrictions.
Frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal discomfort. You may experience some soreness or swelling for a day or two, which can be managed with pain medication. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist's post-operative instructions are crucial for optimal healing.