PERIODONTAL SURGERY/ GUM SURGERY

Overview

Surgery is recommended to correct or improve a problem with your gums that is affecting your periodontal health.

Treatment
Your periodontist may recommend surgery for the following reasons:

• If you have advanced gum disease that does not respond to non surgical management. You may need a flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery
  -         An incision is made in the gums under local anaesthesia
  -         The gums are folded away exposing the roots of the affected teeth
  -         Residual tartar and infected tissue are removed and the root surfaces cleaned.
  -         Affected bone is re -contoured
  -         The flap is then sewn back around the tooth 

• To replace, regenerate tissue lost through gum disease
   -         Some surgical procedures may be recommended to regenerate part of the bone and supporting tissues previously lost to disease.
  -          Membranes and bone grafts are used to partially restore and strengthen the support of the teeth. This type of surgery is known as guided tissue regeneration / bone graft surgery.
  -         Your graft may compose small fragments of your own bone or it may be synthetic or donated.

• to improve appearance/aesthetics of your gum line (muco-gingival surgery)
  -         Exposed root surfaces of teeth due to gum recession result in a longer looking tooth which may contribute to a “toothy” smile
  -         A soft tissue graft taken from your palate or other areas in your mouth is used to cover the exposed root to give your tooth a more cosmetically pleasant appearance.

• to expose more of the tooth structure for a dental restoration (crown lengthening surgery)
  -         If your tooth has decay below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a restoration surgery may be advised to adjust the gum and bone level to increase exposure of the tooth.
  -         during this procedure, gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose the extent of the decay or fracture. This will provide both sufficient tooth structure and accessibility for subsequent placement of a restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will Surgery Hurt?
  -         Your surgery will be done under local anaesthesia. You should feel little or no discomfort. Following surgery, the treated area may be slightly tender, sore or swollen.
  -         You may be prescribed analgesics (painkillers) to relieve post-surgical discomfort; antibiotics to prevent infection.
  -         Most patients resume their normal routine the day after surgery

• What Should I Watch Out For After Surgery?
  -         some facial swelling and bruising is expected after surgery. You can reduce this with a cold pack against the cheek for the first 6-8hrs post operatively
  -         if a periodontal dressing has been applied over the wound, do not be alarmed if it breaks off after 2-3 days. The pieces can be discarded.
  -          avoid chewing hard foods in the surgical area for several days.
  -          brush your other teeth as usual, and use the antibacterial mouthrinse prescribed to keep the surgical site clean.
  -         if sutures have been placed, you will be given a date to have them removed
  -         Following some types of periodontal surgery, the teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold sensations. The sensitivity will lessen during the first few weeks after surgery.

• What can I do to help control the disease?
  -         Periodontal disease can and will recur if you do not follow a strict programme of supportive therapy
  -         In addition to regular professional dental check-ups, your home oral care is important. |
  -         Daily removal of plaque through proper brushing, flossing and other recommended cleaning methods will safeguard your teeth for a lifetime.