Periodontal Surgery

When gum disease has advanced beyond the initial stage, periodontal surgery is often  recommended to effectively remove bacteria and tartar from around the  teeth, reduce gingival pocket depth, restore lost tissue as possible and  halt the disease process. Untreated gum disease is a progressive  condition, which will continue to compromise the appearance of one’s  smile, dental health, oral function and overall well being if the  appropriate measures are not taken.

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With proper  surgical treatment and maintenance care, the chances of tooth loss,  further damage to the bone and soft tissues supporting the teeth, and  complications from health problems that are linked to periodontal disease can be decreased.

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Gum disease  is typically the result of inadequate or ineffective oral hygiene  practices that lead to the accumulation of dental plaque, which is  sticky film that is colonized by oral bacteria. The harmful bacteria and  the products they produce provoke a defensive, inflammatory response in  the gums. When this inflammation is not resolved, tissue damage ensues  and spaces between the gums and teeth that are known as periodontal  pockets develop. As the periodontal pockets deepen, the bacteria become  more difficult to remove and the gaps between the surface of the teeth  and gums get larger. When pocket depth increases to the point of being  beyond the reach of deep cleanings and other conservative methods of  care (5mm or more), gum surgery to clean and treat the damage to gums  and underlying bone is recommended.

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By performing pocket reduction surgery the following is accomplished:

• Sub-gingival bacteria beneath the gums and from the surfaces of the roots of the teeth is removed

• Damage to the underlying bone is halted and affected bone is re-contoured

• Effective oral hygiene to clean the teeth and gums is made easier

While a  surgical procedure known as flap surgery during which the tissue is  surgically reflected away from the teeth and bone so that the area can  be treated before the tissue is sutured back into place, is typically  performed, some practitioners are now using soft tissue laser procedures  to reduce pocket depth.