Types of Gum Surgery

There are a range of gum surgeries that may be performed, depending upon your particular needs, which include the following:

• Pocket elimination surgery: If a scaling and root planing procedure is not effective in reducing the depth of pockets, this indicates the bone beneath the gum is too jagged to allow for the gums to shrink properly. Pocket elimination surgery corrects this by placing a graft, or by smoothing the booth so the pocket can heal properly.
• Regeneration: This procedure facilitates gum regeneration by folding backing your gums, removing bacteria, and inserting (if necessary) a bone graft as well as special membrane designed to facilitate the healing process and allow your bone and gum tissue time to heal properly.
• Crown lengthening: Patients who have an excessive amount of gum (gummy smile) may benefit from a crown lengthening procedure, which involves removing excessive overgrowth to create a more balanced ratio of teeth to gums. Crown lengthening can also be performed when a tooth becomes decayed and is not able to be restored due to the lack of natural structure. By exposing more of the tooth, decay can be corrected and the tooth will be long enough to support a crown.
• Soft tissue graft: This procedure is commonly performed for patients who have developed gum disease or for cosmetic purposes. The procedure involves removing tissue from one area of your mouth (typically your palate) and adhering that tissue over the area(s) where gum recession has occurred. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, a soft tissue graft also reduces the likelihood of gum disease from developing and corrects symptoms of gum disease, such as tooth sensitivity.

Aftercare Following Gum Surgery

The recovery process following gum surgery will be informed by the type of procedure you have performed and the severity of your case. In most cases, it is common to experience some swelling and mild discomfort following gum surgery, but this can be managed by using ice packs and over-the-counter pain relieving medication. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be certain to follow the recommended dose until your prescription runs out.

Once you have completed the healing process, you will not have to follow any special aftercare modifications; however, it is important that you take proactive steps to ensure that you will not require similar procedures in the future. In addition to brushing twice daily (minimum) and flossing on a regular basis, it is equally important to brush and floss properly. Every time you brush, do so for at least two minutes. Once you are done, clean your toothbrush. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become irregular or flay.

Along with following good self-care, it is also important to schedule regular checkups with your periodontist at least every six months. These regular appointments allow us to conduct a professional cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed using traditional methods, and provide us an opportunity to survey your current oral health and identity and address issues before they develop. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright, healthy smile for many years to come!