Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to long-term oral health consequences. As it progresses, it impacts the gums, jawbone, and teeth. Advanced cases may call for gum surgery, both to prevent further complications and to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Here’s what you should know about gum surgery in Rochester.
Recognizing Gum Disease
Spotting gum disease early can allow for the best outcomes, minimize treatment requirements, and often avoid surgical intervention. Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease. You may notice bad breath, swelling, redness, and tenderness. At this point, interventions such as deep cleaning and changing at-home habits can be effective.
As gum disease progresses and bacteria infect below the gum line, it advances to periodontitis. This is a more severe stage that can feature serious symptoms. Gum tissue can start to recede, exposing tooth roots. The infection can lead to bone loss, weakening the foundation that holds tooth roots and causing eventual tooth loss.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is key when it comes to avoiding the need for gum surgery in Rochester. If gum disease is spotted early, you may face only minimal treatment requirements. Deep cleaning consisting of scaling and root planing is a common example. Removing plaque and calculus, and smoothing tooth surfaces in gum pockets can stop and help reverse early gum disease.
Missing checkups and delaying care can allow gum disease to progress to the point that surgical intervention is necessary. This can also mean potential tooth loss if the damage has already gone too far. Tooth loss causes a wide range of serious oral health concerns and requires potentially costly tooth replacement to avoid long-term problems.
When Surgical Treatments Are Needed
While early gum disease is highly treatable with minimally invasive options, there comes a point where the condition progresses so much that surgery is the only choice. Visible gum recession is a key indicator that you may require surgery. You may also notice gum recession due to increased tooth sensitivity from exposed tooth roots.
As periodontitis affects the gum and bone tissue that support teeth, you may notice individual teeth becoming loose. This is a critical sign of advanced gum disease and should not be ignored. The teeth will eventually fall out if swift action is not taken to address your oral health.
Gum Grafting Surgery
Gum grafts are a common surgery used for both cosmetic purposes and to treat gum disease. As many as 23% of adults in the U.S. have at least one tooth surface with significant gum recession.[1] This not only impacts your smile but also increases your risk of tooth decay, as bacteria can shelter in pockets and access tooth roots.
The surgery entails removing tissue from the roof of your mouth and transplanting it to the gums where recession is present. The tissue quickly heals and incorporates, restoring your gum line to its natural contour.
Flap Surgery
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to deep pockets where bacteria can thrive in great numbers. Flap surgery is used to address these pockets. Your periodontist will carefully reflect your gum tissue to carry out deep cleaning within these pockets.
After cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, your periodontist will reposition the gum tissue and suture it to reduce pocket depth and allow for proper reattachment.
Bone Grafting Surgery
If your gum disease has affected the jawbone, it may be necessary to reinforce the bone with bone grafting surgery. This procedure adds bone graft material to the affected tooth sockets. The jawbone naturally integrates the new bone tissue, restoring the strength of the socket. Bone grafting is also sometimes required in preparation for dental implant surgery.
Find Out More About Gum Surgery in Rochester, NY
There are many different options to treat early gum disease, but gum surgery is often necessary to treat periodontitis. Getting this surgery when it’s needed can help restore your oral health and prevent long-term impacts. You can schedule a consultation with Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester to find out more. Call 585-685-2005 or contact us online.
Sources:
