If you are preparing for surgery to treat gum disease, you probably have a lot of questions. Having an upcoming surgery scheduled can cause anxiety for a lot of patients because there are a lot of unknown factors. Even the term ‘surgery’ can be intimidating. At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, we think knowledge is power, so let’s walk through different types of gum disease surgery in Rochester and what to expect so that you can relax knowing that you are in the best hands.
Types of Gum Disease Surgery
Gum disease affects everyone differently, so there are several different gum disease procedures. Your Rochester periodontist will determine which of the following procedures fits your needs best.
Crown Lengthening
In this procedure, the periodontist removes some gum tissue that surrounds the tooth. This procedure is sometimes necessary to expose a sufficient portion of the tooth if crowns are being placed. This procedure can also serve a cosmetic purpose when some teeth appear to be shorter than others. The teeth are actually the correct length, and removing excess tissue around ‘shorter’ teeth can give all teeth a uniform aesthetic
Pocket Depth Reduction
Supportive gum tissue surrounds your teeth, which provides the healthy support they need. Often, when gum disease develops, the bacteria damage the tissues surrounding the teeth and create ‘pockets’ of space around the teeth where healthy tissue should be. These pockets cannot get properly cleaned with a toothbrush and that results in further bacterial growth. If left untreated, this can damage the gum and surrounding bone eventually leading to tooth loss. Pocket depth reduction is a procedure where the surgeon gently pulls the tissue away from the tooth, cleans the tooth, removes any hard and soft deposits, and then secures the tissues back against the tooth. As you heal, the healthy tissue regrows surrounding and supporting the tooth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Gum disease can cause your gums to deteriorate, exposing the root of your tooth. This can cause your teeth to become overly sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks, and cause pain while brushing and eating. During a soft tissue graft, the periodontist removes tissue from one area of the mouth and sutures it to the recessed areas. With time, the tissues will heal and grow together, protecting your teeth and restoring your comfort.
Gum Disease Surgery: Before, During, and After
Undergoing a gum disease surgery can cause anxiety in many patients. In fact, the idea of oral surgery can be so scary to some people that they avoid a simple procedure altogether and instead live with the pain and discomfort of an unhealthy mouth. It is important to know that while you may feel some discomfort or soreness after gum disease surgery, it is minimal and will be much less than continuing to let gum disease damage your oral health. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after gum disease surgery in Rochester can help calm your fears.
Before:
Before surgery, you may be nervous about a procedure, but you are in good hands. Speak with your periodontist openly about your concerns. Our doctors and team will carefully explain every step of the procedure so that you know exactly what to expect.
During Your Procedure:
During the procedure, the periodontist will utilize all the necessary options to keep you as comfortable as possible. Whether that is a local anesthetic, sedation, or other calming options, you will be able to relax and get through your procedure with as little discomfort as possible.
After Gum Disease Surgery:
The healing period after surgery is what many patients worry about the most. Fortunately, most gum disease surgeries cause only mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed well with over-the-counter pain medication. Your periodontist will explain everything with you beforehand so that you know exactly what to expect and how to keep swelling and discomfort to a minimum. By following Dr. Zahavi’s instructions, you should be able to avoid complications and heal within a few days. If any complications do arise, our doctors and team are here to support and help you anytime.
Schedule a Consultation for Gum Disease Surgery in Rochester NY
If you are feeling anxious about an upcoming gum disease surgery, you are not alone. While the idea of undergoing surgery may cause some worry, you are in good hands at Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester. Dr. Zahavi and our experienced, compassionate staff will work hard to ensure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your procedure. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Dental Implants and Periodontal Health of Rochester today or call us at 585.685.2005.