What types of gum surgeries exist?
With periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, affecting over 47% of adults 30 years and older, and over 70% of adults 65 years and older, it’s important that several treatment options exist.
Depending on the development of your gum disease, renowned periodontist, Káren Baghdasaryan, DDS, MBA, AAACD, at Viva Smile may recommend one of these types of gum surgeries:
Pocket reduction
Also known as gingival flap surgery, this procedure consists of folding your gums back to remove bacteria that are developed. Your periodontist then secures your gum tissue against your teeth, rather than allowing it to grow back on its own, to prevent future complications.
Gingivectomy
Also known as crown lengthening, your periodontist removes overgrown gum tissue from your teeth to make your teeth appear longer. This procedure provides cosmetic benefits and effectively treats gum disease.
Gingivoplasty
This procedure consists of reshaping your healthy gum tissue to improve the look of your gums and teeth. Your periodontist may use this in combination with a soft tissue graft.
Gum Regeneration
In this procedure, your periodontist folds back your gums and removes the gum disease bacteria. Then they insert bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to help your gum tissues regenerate and form around your teeth again.
Soft tissue graft
Your periodontist takes the soft tissue from the roof or sides of your mouth and attaches it to your gums to replace gum tissues that have receded due to gum disease.
Why do I need gum surgery?
The two main types of gum disease that exist are gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease, and periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gingivitis. Periodontitis typically requires a skilled periodontist, such as Dr. Baghdasaryan at Viva Smile, to surgically treat the disease.
With the ability to help damaged bones and tissues regrow, prevent tooth loss, reshape your jawbone to eliminate bacterial growth, and reshape gum gaps between your teeth, gum surgery is essential in restoring your oral and overall health if you have periodontitis.
If gum disease runs in your family or you struggle to maintain proper oral health, it’s important that you regularly visit Viva Smile to monitor your tooth and gum health and prevent the development of gingivitis.
How do I know which gum surgery is best for me?
When you come into Viva Smile for your appointment, your dentist examines your teeth to identify dental issues. If they notice signs of gum disease and recommend surgery due to its severity, your dentist will help you determine which surgery is best for you to eradicate the bacteria.
On the other hand, if you have a gummy smile in which your gums cover too much of your teeth or desire to change the shape of your gums cosmetically, you could benefit from gingivoplasty surgery or gingivectomy surgery.
To learn more about your gum surgery options, call Viva Smile or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
