Periodontal surgery procedure
When gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis to periodontitis, there can be extensive damage to the teeth, which may include bone loss and gum recession. Someone suffering from advanced periodontal disease, which is the most severe stage, may have no choice but to use surgical intervention to beat the disease and in order to save their teeth. There are several periodontal surgeries that a dentist may consider as part of a periodontal disease treatment plan. We’ll cover the types of periodontal procedures and what to expect before, during and after a periodontal surgery.
What is periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery treats dental conditions that affect the gums and jawbone. The surgery is typically done around the bottom of the teeth and below the gumline to resolve issues caused by periodontal disease, like infection and decay.
Patients may be referred to a periodontist after gum disease is uncovered during routine cleanings. Your dentist will inform you if less invasive treatment options like scaling and root planing can be done before turning to surgery.
Types of periodontal surgical procedures
There are several types of periodontal procedures. It’s up to your dentist to recommend the most appropriate option based on your health history and dental needs.
Who is a good candidate for a periodontal surgical procedure?
Periodontal procedures tend to make sense for patients with advanced periodontal disease. Patients with gingivitis or early-stage periodontal disease may be able to use less invasive treatment options to prevent gum disease from developing into a severe state.
How to prepare for a periodontal surgical procedure
In preparation for periodontal surgery, patients may be asked to:
What happens during a periodontal surgical procedure?
During the periodontal procedure, your periodontist will ensure you’re comfortable and give appropriate pain management to numb the area they’ll be working on. The length of the procedure varies depending on the severity of the state of the disease, which procedure is being completed, and how many teeth are being treated. For example, a soft tissue graft on a single tooth is likely to take less time than bone grafting on multiple lower teeth. In general, periodontal procedures may take a few hours to complete.
Periodontal surgery procedure recovery
How long it takes to recover from a periodontal procedure depends on the complexity of the surgery and the number of teeth that were treated. However, there are a few steps you’ll want to take following the procedure to help aid in recovery.
Periodontal surgery procedure FAQs
How long does it take to heal after periodontal treatment?
The amount of time required to heal after periodontal surgery depends on the number of teeth treated and the complexity of the procedure and your medical history. You’ll schedule a follow-up appointment 1 to 2 weeks after surgery so your periodontist can assess how quickly you’re healing. Many patients will make a full recovery within a few weeks.
What is the success rate of periodontal surgical procedure?
Periodontal surgical procedure can have a relatively high success rate. However, the success rate depends on several factors, including which procedure is done, the patient’s ability to stick with aftercare instructions, and the patient’s overall health.
Is a periodontal procedure worth it?
A periodontal procedure may be worth it for a patient experiencing advanced gum disease. Periodontal surgery may help save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
How soon can I eat after periodontal surgery?
How soon you can eat after periodontal surgery depends on the procedure and the pain management used. Your periodontist can recommend exactly when and what to eat following your procedure.
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