Periodontal surgery is specialized dental surgery. It’s designed to restore and regenerate normal form and function to lost and damaged periodontal structures that support your teeth through various periodontal surgical procedures. These periodontal structures include your gum tissue, periodontal ligaments, and bone. You may need periodontal surgery if you have severe gum disease, advanced tooth decay, or other issues. Our staff Periodontist, Dr. Wendy Burstein, specializes in Periodontal Surgery and Dental Implants. There are several main types of periodontal surgery:
Periodontal surgery is a specialized surgical procedure performed by a periodontist to address various gum-related conditions, such as gum disease, periodontal disease, and gum recession. The primary goal of periodontal surgery is to restore the health and function of the gums and surrounding tissues, preventing further damage to the teeth and bone. This type of surgery is essential for maintaining overall oral health and ensuring the longevity of your teeth.
Periodontal surgery is often necessary to treat severe gum disease, periodontal disease, and gum recession. These conditions can cause significant damage to the gum tissue, bone tissue, and surrounding teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. By removing excess gum tissue, regenerating bone tissue, and restoring the gum line, periodontal surgery can effectively address these issues and improve your oral health. Treating these conditions promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and maintain a healthy smile.
There are several types of periodontal surgery, each designed to address specific issues related to gum and bone health:
Each of these surgical procedures plays a vital role in treating periodontal disease and maintaining optimal oral health.
When your gums recede, this often leads to root exposure which can cause root sensitivity and poor aesthetics. To resolve this problem, Dr. Burstein can place a connective tissue graft. The doctor would place the graft over the exposed root and it would blend in with the surrounding tissue. This procedure usually helps to reduce the your sensitivity to hot or cold food and liquids and enhances the appearance of your teeth.
Your frenum, or frenulum, is the soft tissue that runs in a thin line between your lips and gums. The size of your frenum or the exact point where it attaches to your gums can affect the position of your gums or even lead to a space between your teeth. Dr. Burstein can resolve these issues with a Frenectomy. This is the surgical release of the frenum muscle. If the frenum has caused loss of gum tissue, then a tissue graft may be needed to replace the missing gum tissue. A frenectomy can also improve the success of orthodontic treatment.
There are situations where advanced decay beneath your gumline can make it very difficult to restore a broken down tooth. In these situations, minor gum surgery or periodontal surgery referred to as a “crown lengthening” procedure, may be needed. In this periodontal surgery, the doctor “repositions” your gum level to expose solid tooth structure before restoring the tooth with either a filling or a crown.
Proper preparation is essential for a successful periodontal surgery and smooth recovery. Here are some steps to follow:
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your periodontal surgery goes smoothly and that you achieve the best possible outcome for your oral health.
We see both current patients and patients referred from other dentists for periodontal surgery. If you have been told you need periodontal surgery, contact our Cockeysville office today at (410) 666-9266 to set up an appointment for a consultation. We are taking new patients, and take many forms of dental insurance, including Delta Dental.
