If you’ve been told you need periodontal gum treatment, you may have some questions about what that entails.
In general, the procedure aims to treat gum disease. But let’s take a deeper look into periodontal surgery, the type of conditions it can treat, and what the recovery time could be.
What Conditions Can Gum Surgery Treat?
There are two primary conditions – gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and most often occurs due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, and tartar buildup. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease in which gingivitis has worsened and advanced and can lead to an inflammatory response that destroys bone and tissues.
What Are the Types of Surgical Procedures?
There are four main types of surgery: flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and tissue grafting. Which type of surgery a dental surgeon performs will depend on the type and severity of the gum disease. If you want to learn more about the options that are best for your situation, make an appointment today with Wheatland Dental in Saskatoon, SK for an assessment.
Are There Other Options?
Although there’s no current evidence to fully support laser therapy, some dentists use it to reduce the size of pockets and restore damaged connective tissue. Another option is the use of tissue-stimulating proteins which involves using a protein-containing gel to stimulate bone and tissue growth.
Preparing for Gum Surgery
Before you have a gum surgery, your dentist will take your medical history and perform a pre-operative exam to make sure you’re in good overall health. What happens during surgery depends on the type of surgery that’s performed, but it most instances the procedure will not exceed two hours.
What to Expect in Recovery
Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on how to achieve the best possible recovery. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and you may need medication for pain in the days after gum surgery. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment about 1-2 weeks after your procedure.
What are the Costs of the Procedures?
Certain dental procedures may or may not be covered by insurance, so it’s suggested that you speak with your insurance carrier to discuss the answer to this question.
Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?
Yes. Because gum disease is caused by bacterial overgrowth, plaque, and tartar buildup, proper oral hygiene has proven to be an effective protocol to prevent – and in some cases, reverse — the condition.
Ready to Learn More?
We’re ready to answer any additional questions you may have about periodontal conditions. Make your appointment today with Wheatland Dental in Saskatoon, SK to learn how you can prevent and treat periodontal disease.
