Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery may sometimes be necessary to treat specific gum diseases or conditions, like gingivitis or periodontitis. This surgery is also known as gum surgery.

Consistent daily brushing and flossing, together with regular exams at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, will go a long way toward prevention and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Good oral hygiene includes more than just your teeth—it also means keeping your gums healthy. Consistent oral exams give us the opportunity to proactively detect gum disease early and treat it before it causes damage.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for a periodontal surgery evaluation.

If you neglect or attempt to avoid your regular dental visits, untreated gum disease will quickly advance, causing infected and damaged gums that could require periodontal surgery.

Are You a Candidate for Periodontal Surgery?

If you have advanced gum disease around your gums and in the tissues that support your teeth, you are a candidate for periodontal surgery.

If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include:

  • Gums that are dark red, swollen, or bleeding.
  • Pockets sagging and growing deeper between your gums and teeth.
  • Persistent bad breath.
  • Pain and discomfort when you chew.
  • Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth.
  • Loose teeth.

Some Reasons for Periodontal Surgery

Gingivitis, which is the first level of gum disease, can be treated quickly and reversed successfully. Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease that causes inflammation and damages tissue and bone. Periodontitis requires a visit to Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, and your treatment might include periodontal surgery. This surgery reduces the gaps between your teeth, promotes the regrowth of damaged tissue and bone, prevents tooth loss, and restores the jawbone to prevent further bacterial growth.

The periodontal surgery procedure treats gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:

  • Eliminating bacteria and all infected and diseased tissue.
  • Regrowing damaged bones and tissues.
  • Preventing tooth loss.
  • Reducing the gaps between your gums and teeth, which are called black triangles.
  • Restoring your jawbone to reduce the risk for any further bacterial growth.

The Different Types of Periodontal Surgery

The periodontal surgery you will need for your gums will depend on the damage done by the gum disease or your cosmetic and aesthetic goals. The variations of periodontal surgery offered at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry include:

  • Gum Graft- Soft tissue is sutured into place around the tooth that is experiencing gum recession. This evens the gum line, reduces root sensitivity, and improves the aesthetics of your smile.
  • Gum Regeneration- The gum tissue is folded back, and all bacteria are totally removed. We then insert a bone graft, membrane, or tissue-stimulating protein to promote tissue regeneration around the tooth.
  • Gingival Flap Surgery- Your gums will be slightly moved apart from the teeth for a deeper cleaning, then sutured back into place. Bone reshaping might be included during the surgery.
  • Gingivectomy- Excessive gum tissue is removed to improve the visual aesthetics of your smile.
  • Gingivoplasty- Your healthy gum tissue is easily reshaped for aesthetic improvement.

The Periodontal Surgery Process

Depending on the periodontal surgery performed, a few things may happen. Most periodontal surgery procedures usually take about two hours. The surgery might require you to be asleep or partially asleep during the treatment. Or the surgery may only need the use of a local anesthetic to numb your gums.

During any periodontal surgery, the team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will only use sterile equipment to avoid any risk of infection. For gum disease, after we make small incisions along your gum line, we lift the gums away from your teeth. This now gives us access to the roots so we can remove all tartar, plaque, or infection.

After this deep cleaning, Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry might perform other periodontal procedures, like gum reshaping, bone regeneration, or other beneficial treatments.

After your periodontal surgery is complete, we suture your gums back into place. We will remove the sutures in about a week.

Periodontal Surgery Aftercare

Again, your recovery time will depend on the procedure, but you will have an appointment within a few weeks. During your healing, Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will provide instructions to follow for quick recovery. We may also prescribe an antibiotic.

For the first few days following surgery, we will suggest you eat soft food and avoid strenuous activity. You should also avoid smoking during your recovery process.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700