Restore Gum Health with Gum Disease Therapy.
At Dr. Stuart Katz and Associates, we specialize in restoring gum health and enhancing smiles through surgical gum therapy. Our experienced team understands the importance of healthy gums for overall oral health and is dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with gum disease or seeking cosmetic gum contouring, our surgical expertise ensures optimal results and improved oral well-being.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It typically starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed through proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause irreversible damage to the gums and bone supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Gum surgery may be recommended for various reasons, including:
- Treatment of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that has not responded to non-surgical treatments.
- Reduction of pocket depths around the teeth to facilitate better oral hygiene and prevent further progression of gum disease.
- Correction of gum recession, which can expose the tooth roots and lead to sensitivity, increased risk of decay, and esthetic concerns.
- Reshaping of the gum line to improve the appearance of the smile, such as in cases of a "gummy smile" or uneven gum levels.
- Placement of dental implants, where gum surgery may be necessary to prepare the gums and bone for implant placement.
Surgical gum therapy, also known as periodontal surgery, involves various procedures aimed at treating gum disease and restoring gum health. These procedures may include:
- GINGIVAL FLAP SURGERY: Involves lifting the gums to remove tartar deposits and reduce pocket depths, followed by repositioning and securing the gums in place.
- GINGIVECTOMY: Removal of excess gum tissue to reduce pocket depths and improve oral hygiene access.
- GUM GRAFTING: Transfer of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another to cover exposed tooth roots or augment thin gum tissue.
- OSSEOUS SURGERY: Reshaping of the bone supporting the teeth to eliminate irregularities and facilitate better attachment of the gums.
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Gum Disease Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about surgical gum therapy? Find answers to commonly asked questions below.
Surgical gum therapy involves invasive procedures performed by a periodontist to treat advanced gum disease and correct gum-related issues.
Non-surgical gum therapy typically involves less invasive treatments, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots, promoting healing and gum reattachment. Non-surgical therapy is often the first line of treatment for gum disease, and surgical intervention may be necessary if non-surgical methods are ineffective or if the disease has progressed to a more severe stage.
Surgical gum therapy may be recommended for individuals with advanced gum disease, receding gums, or cosmetic concerns related to the appearance of the gums.
Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area, so you should not feel pain during surgical gum therapy. After the procedure, some discomfort or swelling may occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week after surgical gum therapy.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with surgical gum therapy, including infection, bleeding, and complications with anesthesia. However, these risks are minimal and can be mitigated with proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care.
The number of appointments required for surgical gum therapy depends on the specific treatment plan and the complexity of the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the recommended treatment timeline with you during your initial consultation.
he results of surgical gum therapy can last for many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. However, it’s important to continue practicing good oral care habits to maintain the health and appearance of your gums over time.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing or antibiotic therapy may be sufficient to address gum disease. However, surgical gum therapy may be necessary for more advanced cases or for cosmetic gum concerns.