Periodontal or gum surgery addresses problems affecting the gums and tissues supporting your teeth. Imagine your teeth like delicate pillars anchored by the gums and bone. Periodontal disease, a gum infection, weakens this support system, potentially leading to tooth loss. Surgery intervenes to stop this progression and restore oral health.
Why Is Periodontal Surgery Performed?
Several reasons prompt dentists to recommend periodontal surgery. One crucial purpose is to remove deep pockets of infection between the gums and teeth. These pockets, inaccessible through regular brushing and flossing, harbor harmful bacteria contributing to gum disease. Surgery provides direct access to thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Furthermore, surgery can regenerate lost bone tissue. Gum disease can erode the bone supporting your teeth, creating pockets and jeopardizing their stability. Surgical procedures like bone grafting stimulate the growth of new bone, reinforcing the foundation for your teeth.
Additionally, surgery corrects gum recession, where the gum tissue shrinks, exposing the tooth root. This compromises aesthetics and increases tooth sensitivity and the risk of further bone loss. Surgical techniques like gum grafting can cover exposed roots and restore a healthy gum line.
The Surgical Process
During periodontal surgery, the periodontist begins by numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Then, the periodontist carefully removes the diseased tissue and thoroughly cleans the root surfaces of the teeth to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. Depending on the severity of the case, the dentist may perform additional procedures, such as bone grafting or tissue regeneration, to promote healing and restore lost tissue.
Post-Surgical Care
Following periodontal surgery, patients are advised to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to prevent infection and promote healing. This may include gentle brushing and flossing, using antimicrobial mouth rinses, and attending follow-up appointments with the periodontist for monitoring and maintenance.
Periodontal surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our periodontist will examine your needs to determine if surgery is best. If you have concerns about gum health, consulting a dentist is vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment options.
About |Dental Implants Wilmington, DE | Delaware Periodontics We here at Delaware Periodontics want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles. Call us today to schedule an appointment! Delaware Periodontics - Dr Brad Klassman, 1110 N Bancroft Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19805 • 302-551-3553 • delawareperiodontics.com • 11/28/2024 • Page Keywords: Dental Implants Wilmington De •
Periodontal or gum surgery addresses problems affecting the gums and tissues supporting your teeth. Imagine your teeth like delicate pillars anchored by the gums and bone. Periodontal disease, a gum infection, weakens this support system, potentially leading to tooth loss. Surgery intervenes to stop this progression and restore oral health.