Is Periodontal Surgery Right for Me?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of advanced periodontal disease, surgery may be the best treatment strategy for the long-term health of your mouth. Most surgical treatments for periodontal disease are minimally invasive and can reverse the progression of serious gum damage. At your evaluation, Dr. Krauser will diagnose your condition, recommend the optimal treatment, and ensure that you receive the best care.
When Does Surgery Become Necessary To Treat Periodontal Disease?
In the early stages of periodontal disease, removing tartar through hygiene treatments is usually enough for gum tissue to heal from infection and regrow on its own. The most important indicator to your dentist of the state of your gum health is the space that develops between your gum tissue and teeth.
A healthy gum will allow for one or two millimeters of a dental implement to reach between the tooth and gums. At three millimeters of space, bacteria are likely to begin cultivating on the tooth’s service, outside the reach of your toothbrush at home but not presenting a problem for trained dental hygienists. However, a pocket of space that has broached the line of 5 millimeters indicates more extensive damage that requires a concerted effort to reverse.
Types of Surgical Periodontal Treatment
After an evaluation, Dr. Krauser will determine whether periodontal surgery is an appropriate treatment path and what type will yield the best results for your long-term gum health. In any case, the application of local anesthetics will numb any pain and ensure a comfortable procedure.
Pocket Depth Reduction Surgery
If the buildup of tartar behind the gums is the primary cause for concern, Dr. Krauser may recommend pocket depth reduction surgery.
To gain access to the surface of your tooth deep behind gum tissue, incisions are made to lift a flap of your gum away from the root of your tooth. With the root exposed, deeply entrenched tartar and bacteria can be removed with ease. With the area sterilized, a bone graft may be applied to the root to heal damage caused by infection and strengthen your teeth. The raised flap of gum is then returned to the surface of the tooth and sutured in place to prevent bacteria from returning.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
If periodontal disease has led to a breakdown of the hard and soft tissue behind the gum, guided tissue regeneration surgery can be used to encourage your gums and jawbone to regenerate in place around the root of your tooth.
The space between the gum and jawbone is first accessed by surgical incision and sterilized to remove bacteria and tartar. A mesh-like piece of material is then embedded between the exposed bone and gum tissue. This membrane provides space for the hard and soft tissue to grow back in place without allowing plaque and other bacteria to fill the vacuum. A protein solution may be introduced to further stimulate healthy growth. The gum tissue can then be brought over the membrane and back to the gumline where it’s sutured in place to heal.
The material of the embedded membrane provides ample time for the gums and jaw to regenerate over the course of months before dissolving harmlessly in the bloodstream.
After Your Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery can interrupt the progression of periodontal disease and reverse its symptoms, but allowing for proper healing is crucial to get the most benefit. Dr. Krauser will make sure you’re informed of how to care for your healing mouth and manage any pain or discomfort.
You may be recommended to:
- Follow a regimen of prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers Use medicated mouthwash or antibiotics to prevent infection
- Use medicated mouthwash or antibiotics to prevent infection
- Eat soft foods at a cool temperature
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Refrain from smoking
By sticking to the post-operative care guidelines recommended by Dr. Krauser, you’ll heal quickly from your procedure and prevent complications from arising.
Address Your Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
While not every patient will require surgery for issues with their gums, ignoring the signs of gum disease can only increase the likelihood that more serious interventions will be required. It’s crucial to keep your dentist informed of your condition and pursue regular hygiene appointments to manage the buildup of plaque and tartar. Make an appointment for a consultation at our office by calling (561) 627-5560 and take control of the health of your gums.