Surgical Therapy

I. POCKET REDUCTION SURGERY

If non-surgical treatments can’t reduce the pocket depth, surgery may be needed.

During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

WHAT ARE BENEFITS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria is important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to maintain a healthy smile. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be sufficient to prevent disease recurrence.

Deep pockets are more difficult to you and your dental care professional to clean, do it’s important for you to reduce them. Reduced pockets and a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional care increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease your chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.

II. REGENERATIVE PROCEDURE

Certain procedures can be used to stimulate growth of new bone. This increases the height of the bone around the tooth, giving it more support.

Regenerative procedures require several prerequisites and your periodontist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment.

During this procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Membranes (filters), bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.

III. SOFT TISSUE GRAFTS

Periodontal procedures are available to stop further gum recession, and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line.

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession.

Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment your periodontist will help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue which is absent due to excessive gingival recession.

During this procedure, your periodontist takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.