Have you seen lately some blood in your sink when you brush your teeth? That could be one of the first warning signs that you might have gum disease. We recommend not skip regular dental checkups. Our dentists in Norwalk, CT can help identify gum disease in an early stage.
If you have a serious gum infection, known as periodontal disease, our dentists might recommend surgery. This procedure can:
remove bacteria from beneath your gums
make it easier to clean your teeth
reshape the bones that support your teeth
prevent future gum damage
Learn more about types of gum surgery and what happens during periodontal surgery:
Types of Gum Surgery
1. Gingival Flap Surgery – If pockets are greater than 5 millimeters in-depth, the dentist or periodontist would conduct this procedure to reduce the periodontal pockets. Most patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis would go through this procedure. The periodontist would cut the gum tissue to separate the gum tissue from the teeth, conduct a thorough deep cleaning with an ultrasonic scaling device, also some dentists use hand instruments to remove tartar, plaque, and biofilm below the pockets.
2. Gingivectomy – This procedure is managed to remove excess gum tissue that may be overgrown on the teeth to provide a better area to clean the teeth. Our dentists will numb the patients' gum tissue and then will cut and eliminate the extra gum tissue in the mouth.
3. Gingivoplasty – This is the type of gum surgery that used to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth to make them look better. A gingivoplasty also can be done if a person has tooth recession where the gum is pushed away from the tooth. A gum graft can be done where the tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and then stitched into place on either side of the tooth that is recessed.
Which kind of surgery our dentist will perform depends on the type and severity of the gum disease.
Preparing For Gum Surgery
Before a patient has gum surgery, our dentist in Norwalk, CT will perform an exam to make sure it is safe to have surgery.
During the exam, the dentist will:
take a medical history review and do an exam
examine the teeth, mouth, and jaw to check for stability and health
check for any infections, abscesses, or other lesions that could make healing from surgery more complicated
discuss the risks and benefits of the operation, and receive permission or consent to move forward with the surgery
Is Gum Surgery Painful?
Most people might have only mild to moderate pain after a gum surgery that can easily be managed with regular pain relievers. If you develop moderate swelling, try to apply an ice pack to the area. And if our dentist recommends antibiotics, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. There is some risk of bleeding and swelling after gum surgery. Contact our dentists in Norwalk, CT immediately if you experience any dental problems. Our office phone number is (203) 364-5084!