Surgical periodontal treatment refers to a category of dental procedures performed to treat advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to the destruction of the surrounding bone and tissues supporting the teeth.
Surgical periodontal treatment aims to halt the progression of periodontitis, remove bacteria and infected tissues, and restore the health of the gums and supporting structures. It is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), have been ineffective or when the disease has advanced to a severe stage.
Winston-Salem Dental Specialists offers multiple surgical periodontal treatments:
Gingival Gum Grafting
When recession of the gingiva occurs, not only does the body lose a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma, but supporting bone loss also occurs. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.
Dr. Nicole Wright is known for her excellent esthetic results in treating gum recession. She uses a much less invasive tunneling technique and biomaterials to improve results and decrease healing times. Some patients are candidates for using donor tissue, thereby eliminating the need for two surgical sites. She has happy patients all over the country.
Dr. Peavy uses a variety of new procedures to repair and improve areas of recession that do not require the removal of tissue from the roof of your mouth. The collagen of other mammals is so similar to ours that once it has been processed, it can be used as a substitute for the palatal tissue once needed. AlloDerm is a collagen product from human donors and has been used for many years in periodontal and many other types of reconstructive surgery.
Winston-Salem Dental Specialists is also proud to offer the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique (PST™) for patients in need of minimally invasive gum grafting. With this technique the initial incision is made with a needle instead of a scalpel!
Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration / Bone Grafting
Over time, periodontal disease can lead to breakdown of the bone and supporting structures that anchor the teeth into the jawbone. Bone grafts are placed by periodontists with the goal of regenerating the bone lost from periodontal disease. Bone grafting is a remarkable procedure that can adds years of life to teeth with bone loss.
Guided tissue regeneration can be used to help your body restore or regrow the lost bone and improve the outlook for the tooth or teeth. If you have already lost a tooth, it can help restore the missing bone to improve esthetics around and under bridges and/or improve the site enough that a dental implant could be placed there. We use a variety of materials including membranes, tissue stimulating proteins, and bone graft materials from several sources. It isn’t necessary to harvest the bone or soft tissue from you to get good results.
How Does The Bone Grafting Procedure Work?
The bone grafting procedure, also known as “guided tissue regeneration”, is comprised of a few basic steps:
- The first step after getting the affected tooth comfortable and numb is to gently reflect the gum tissue. Any diseased gum tissue is removed, and the root of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. What often remains is a crater in the jawbone that has resulted from infection. Sometimes the periodontist will deposit a substance onto the root of the tooth and into the bone crater, which enhances the success of the Bone Graft.
- Then a completely sterile Bone Graft is placed, which over time will become replaced by the body’s own natural bone.
- A membrane is placed over the Bone Graft to prevent the gum tissue from growing into the Graft and to help contain the particles of the graft.
- The gum tissue is re-positioned over the Bone Graft and membrane, and sutures are placed.
- Finally, the periodontist will go over home instructions and provide prescriptions for the appropriate medications. A one-week follow-up is needed to observe healing and to make sure no infection develops.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a periodontal procedure which eliminates excess gum tissue. A gingivectomy is usually performed when a patient has excess gum tissue that prevents the proper cleaning of the teeth. The term “gingivectomy” is derived from “gingiva”, or gum tissue, and “-ectomy”, which means to remove.
When Is A Gingivectomy Needed?
There are several reasons why a gingivectomy would be needed. Oftentimes, gingivectomies are utilized for cosmetic reasons; for instance, to make teeth appear longer and more proportional. Many patients who seek this treatment are looking for someone to help with their “gummy smile”.
Gingivectomies are also used to remove excess gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) that has formed as a result of certain drugs, such as anti-seizure medications, organ-transplant medications, and certain high blood pressure medications.
Finally, gingivectomies have been used to shrink deep gum pockets (see section on periodontal disease), although most of the time more than just the removal of gum tissue is warranted to repair deep pockets.
How Does A Gingivectomy Work?
The procedure itself is very straightforward. The affected areas are anesthetized, and then the excess gum tissue is removed – either with a scalpel blade or a laser. (Both the scalpel and the laser each have their own pros and cons, and the technique used is primarily based on the surgeon’s preference.) This procedure can be performed with a laser technique and eliminates the need for sutures.
Once the extra gum tissue is removed, the area can be cleansed and maintained more easily. The gingivectomy is a predictable, easy, and safe procedure with results that can last a lifetime.
Pocket Reduction
Periodontal surgery, also referred to as pocket reduction surgery, is not always required to successfully treat gum disease. However, when non-surgical therapy is unable to stop the infection, surgery may be required to save your teeth.
Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
A common cosmetic periodontal surgery benefiting those with a gummy smile is esthetic crown lengthening. The procedure is relatively simple and is essentially a “gum lift.” During the procedure, which usually takes about an hour, your dentist will remove any excess gum or bone tissue. This is done to reshape your smile and expose more of your tooth. This periodontal surgery can be done one tooth, but is often done on a full arch or even the entire mouth. The result is a wider, more striking smile.
In some cases, a procedure called functional crown lengthening may be necessary before a restoration can be placed. It is most commonly used in instances where there is decay on the unexposed root of a tooth, the tooth is broken or fractured below the gum line, or more tooth structure is necessary in order to properly restore the tooth.
Get Surgical Periodontal Treatment In Winston-Salem!
If you’re experiencing the warning signs of advanced gum disease, please do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with Winston-Salem Dental Specialists today. We will evaluate you and help you explore all the options, surgical or otherwise, to get your gum disease under control.
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Winston-Salem Dental Specialists is a member of the following professional organizations (not all doctors belong to all these organizations):
