Gum disease surgery is a relatively quick procedure, offering many benefits to oral health. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half of all adults over 30 show signs of gum disease, with 9 percent affected by the most severe form of the condition. The CDC further notes gum disease or periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss. 

Yet when caught early, gum disease can be reversed with treatment. But even in the latter stages, gum disease can be managed with surgery, restoring the health of your teeth and gums and preventing tooth loss. Let’s review the benefits of gum disease surgery and what to expect during the procedure.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease results from a long-standing infection and inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of bacteria and a sticky film called plaque. Most of the bacteria and plaque on your teeth are whisked away when you brush and floss. But failing to brush and floss regularly turns the plaque into hardened tartar.

When not removed, tartar irritates the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Swollen and bleeding gums characterize the first stage of gum disease — gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with non-surgical treatments and good oral hygiene.

However, untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease. At this point, the swelling and bleeding become more intense as the gums recede from the tooth. Bacteria and plaque continue to break down the gum tissue and bone holding the tooth in place, causing the tooth to loosen and possibly fall out. At this stage, gum disease surgery becomes necessary.

What you need to know about gum disease surgery

The main goal of gum disease surgery is to prevent tooth loss and stop the progression of the disease. Various gum disease procedures accomplish this by removing the bacterial infection from the tooth and gums, as well as reducing the gaps between the gum and teeth, known as black triangles. Gum disease surgery can regrow gum and bone tissue, strengthening the bond between the tooth and bone. The procedure can also reshape the jaw bone so bacteria cannot grow in the bone crevices.

Your dentist will perform one of three procedures, depending on the stage of gum disease:

• During flap surgery, the dentist lifts the gums and scraps the tartar from the tooth root. The gums are then stitched in place. The bone may be reshaped during this procedure.
• A tissue graft replaces lost gum tissue and involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth to patch the gap between the teeth and gums. 
• A bone graft works the same way to build up damaged bone with bone from the patient, manufactured bone, or donated bone.

What to expect before, during, and after gum disease surgery

Before the procedure, your dentist will review your medical history and check your teeth and gums for signs of infection or abscesses. They will also go over the procedure in detail with you.

The surgery will be painless, as you’ll be given either local anesthesia or medication to put you partially or fully asleep. You can expect the appointment to last about two hours, depending on how extensive the surgery is.

Afterward, you’ll likely experience minor discomfort that can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also notice your teeth are more sensitive. If so, brush gently with a desensitizing toothpaste.

Other post-surgery tips include eating a soft diet, rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash, and limiting strenuous activities for a few days. It’s also recommended to stop smoking. 

You’ll return to your dentist within a week to assess your progress and remove any stitches. From then on, your goal will be to keep your gums healthy and prevent another bout of gum disease. And you can reach that target by brushing and flossing daily, limiting sweets in your diet, and scheduling dental appointments every six months.

Get healthy gums in Wyoming

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Cheyenne, WY, location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your gums for any signs of disease and start treatment immediately. Don’t live near our Cheyenne, WY, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Cheyenne, WY
7112 Commons Circle
Cheyenne, WY 82009