What is Gum Surgery?
Gum surgery is a dental procedure performed to treat gum or periodontal disease, which occurs due to bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue, causing inflammation, swelling, redness, and loss of the bones surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease begins to develop when bacteria in the mouth are already attached to the teeth and gums. A biofilm called dental plaque forms as the bacteria grow and multiply. Dental plaque can be removed by the usual oral hygiene practices such as brushing the teeth and flossing and by undergoing periodic scaling and root planing procedure. If the dental plaque is not removed and is left to remain on the teeth surface for a long time, the gingival tissues are likely to become inflamed until gum disease develops.
Do I Really Need Gum Surgery?
Gum surgery may be necessary for anyone who is suffering from gum disease. This is a common and very serious condition. In fact, most adults will suffer from some form of gingivitis during their lifetime. The severity of the condition will determine what steps one can take to alleviate it.
If the gingivitis is minor in nature, it may be possible to heal the gums by simply performing a cleaning. If the gum disease is left untreated, it may be necessary to schedule surgery. This is why it is important to visit a dentist at the first sign of a problem and seek treatment right away.
Why Surgery Is Necessary?
Some patients need to have surgery in order to recover because of how severe the gum disease has become. A general dentist will typically make a recommendation to have surgery after completing a thorough examination. Very often, surgery is the only way to restore health because the gums have begun to recede and pull away from the tooth structure.
When they do this, the gums can appear elongated. Sometimes, the base of the tooth and roots will become exposed, creating an increased likelihood of developing a serious infection. Additionally, some patients will develop pockets in the gum tissue, creating the need for surgery to restore the health and appearance of the gums.
Types of Gum Surgery?
The type of gum surgery you need depends on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage it has done, or the type of cosmetic results you desire. Types of gum surgery include:
1. Gingival Flap Surgery
Gums are separated from the teeth for a deep cleaning, then stitched back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping is sometimes required during the surgery.
2. Gingivectomy
Excess and overgrown gum tissue is removed to improve aesthetics and to make it easier to keep the surface of the teeth clean.
3. Gingivoplasty
Healthy gum tissue is reshaped for a more appealing aesthetic, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
4. Gum Graft
Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched into place on either side of a tooth that is exposed due to gums that are receding. This helps even the gum line and reduce sensitivity.
5. Gum Regeneration
Gum tissue is folded back and bacteria is removed. The surgeon inserts bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to help the gum tissues regenerate around the teeth.
When Is Gum Graft Surgery Necessary?
Contrary to popular belief, periodontal disease is not just a problem for older people. According to the American Academy of Periodontology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of all American adults over the age of 30 experience some form of gum disease, which ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. As gum disease progresses, it causes damage to the underlying soft and connective tissue in the gums, causing symptoms like gum recession.
What to Expect During Gum Surgery?
Before most types of gum surgery begin, the periodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth and apply a local anesthetic to numb the area. In some cases, a general anesthetic may also be needed. If you require a deep clean beneath the surface of the gums, the periodontist will make small incisions along the gum line, and lift the gums away from the teeth to clean even deeper and remove any tartar, plaque, or infected tissue.
Finally, the periodontist will perform the specific procedure you need, then stitch your gums back in place. Your periodontist will be able to give you more information on the particulars of your procedure, how to prepare for it and how long it will take.
Gum graft surgery for gum disease?
Gum disease is incredibly common, but it can take a toll on your oral health if left untreated. Getting treatment as soon as possible and when it’s in the earlier stages is the best way to prevent permanent damage and tooth loss. Gum graft surgery is recommended when the gums have receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth.
As the gums recede, they form pockets between the tooth and the gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria buildup. Over time, the bacteria hardens into plaque and tartar, putting you at risk for infections, tooth decay, and advanced gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, advanced gum disease can cause bone and tissue loss and eventually result in tooth loss.
In addition to gum disease, factors like your genetics and family history, hormones, lack of dental care, and even aggressive brushing can cause gum recession. Unlike a receding hairline, gum recession isn’t always visible to the naked eye, so going to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is the best way to stay on top of your oral health.
A gum graft may also be available for cosmetic improvements to your smile.
What to Expect During Recovery?
Recovery times for periodontal surgery will depend on the type of procedure, but most periodontists will schedule a follow-up within 1 to 2 weeks. During the recovery period, you will need to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and avoid infection. Your surgeon might also prescribe a round of antibiotics.
For the first few days after surgery, you may be instructed to eat soft foods and avoid strenuous exercise. You should also avoid smoking during the entire recovery process.
Is Gum Surgery Painful?
If your dentist has referred you to a periodontist for surgery, you’re probably wondering, “is gum surgery painful?” The answer depends on each person and procedure, but in general there is little to no pain during the actual surgery due to the anesthetics used.
After the surgery, most people only have mild to moderate pain that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Moderate swelling might occur. Your periodontist will give you more specific information about how to manage any pain and swelling you might have.
Alternatives to Gum Surgery?
For certain gum conditions, you might be a candidate for alternative treatments that don’t require gum surgery. For receding gums, the “pinhole” technique for gum grafting uses a special instrument to release the gum tissue and move it to its proper position on the teeth. Once the gums are in place, collagen strips are used to stabilize the gum position and encourage the readaptation of the gum tissue to the teeth at a new level.
Another non-surgical gum treatment is the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), which treats the pockets between the gum and teeth that can collect gum disease-causing bacteria. LANAP uses a laser to eliminate bacteria in the pockets and remove diseased tissue to help the collagen fibers of the gums reattach to the tooth, recreating the lost seal.