Periodontal surgery

Periodontal Surgery is a type of dental surgery that is performed to treat periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that damages gums and can destroy the jawbone.

Overview

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal surgery is often recommended when non-surgical treatment options such as scaling and root planing have not been effective.

Types of Periodontal Surgery

There are several types of periodontal surgery, including:

• Gingivectomy: This procedure involves the removal of gum tissue to eliminate pockets between the teeth and gums.

• Gingivoplasty: This is a type of gum reshaping surgery.

• Flap Surgery: Also known as pocket reduction surgery, this procedure involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar.

• Bone grafts: This involves using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by gum disease.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgery, periodontal surgery carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, swelling, pain, and changes in tooth alignment. It's important to discuss these risks with your dentist or periodontist before the procedure.

Aftercare and Recovery

After periodontal surgery, it's important to follow all instructions for care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, using a special mouth rinse, and following a soft diet.

See Also

• Dental Surgery
• Gum Disease
• Periodontal Disease
• Bone Grafts