If you were recently advised to undergo gum surgery, then you have probably developed a severe gum disease that no longer responds to non-surgical treatments.
While the thought of surgery can be frightening, you actually don’t need to worry too much as the procedure is generally painless and may only require about a week to recover. In addition to that, careful research about the surgery and the reasons why you may need to undergo one will help you further understand the importance of this treatment.
3 Reasons Why You Need a Gum Surgery
A periodontist may require a gum surgery for three common reasons:
- To treat periodontitis
A periodontal disease is an aggressive form of bacterial infection that causes redness and inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, it can deteriorate the periodontal structure resulting to bone damage and tooth loss.
- To regenerate lost tissue
The surgery may also be performed to restore tooth-supporting tissues. The procedure may involve grafting, which may consist of small bone fragments and other tissues.
- To enhance gum line appearance
The procedure also has cosmetic benefits: If you are bothered over longer looking teeth caused by gum recession, a grafting may be performed to cover the overly exposed teeth.
On the contrary, if there is insufficient tooth structure to support a restoration surgery, the gum may be adjusted to increase the exposure of a damaged tooth.
Gum Surgery: Types and Procedures
- Flap Surgery
Generally, the space or the pockets between the gum tissue and the tooth is only 1 to 3mm in depth. However, a periodontal disease may cause it to advance as much as 5mm in depth. In this case, a flap or pocket reduction surgery may be conducted to fold back the gums to reduce the pockets after a thorough plaque removal is performed.
- Regeneration
This procedure is similar to a flap surgery, only it involves various grafting methods to regenerate lost tissue. In a regeneration surgery, the infected area is removed of disease-causing bacteria before the gums are folded back closer to the teeth. Then, membranes and bone grafts are inserted to stimulate tissue regeneration until the gum fits snugly around the teeth again.
- Crown Lengthening
In some case where a decay is below the gum line, a crown lengthening procedure may be required. In this surgery, an amount of tissue is reshaped to expose an extent of the affected tooth so it may receive repair. Alternatively, it is also applicable when there is inadequate tooth structure to support a restoration.
- Soft Tissue Graft
Periodontal disease, aging and over brushing are among the leading causes of gum recession. This procedure is aimed to address this condition by grafting a tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and place it where the gum tissue has receded. It is often used for its cosmetic benefits. However, it works as well in treating gum diseases.
- Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy may be performed to remove excess gum tissue when it has pushed away from the teeth. This movement is a result of a gum disease that has created deep pockets between the teeth and gums. In this procedure, overgrown gums are removed and reshaped to restore the natural look of the gums.
A gum surgery, while it repairs the damage a gum disease has left, will not prevent it from recurring. Proper hygiene is important to maintain an optimal oral health and consulting your dentist will further equip you with knowledge on how to care for your teeth.
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Author Bio:
George Katsoudas is a Digital Marketing Professional. He works as the Managing Director of Low Cost SEO, an SEO & digital marketing firm in Sydney and a Digital Media Manager for Classic Smiles, beautifying winning smiles all over Sydney.
Company Bio:
Classic Smiles, headed by Dr William Zafiropoulos, a reputable cosmetic dentist in Sydney offers a range of dental treatments including gum surgery, teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental crown and bridge and porcelain veneers.