How Oral Surgery Helps With Gum Disease

Oral surgery in Marco Island is vital for reversing various dental health issues. One of these is gum disease. Normally, proper oral hygiene is enough to reverse gingival infections. However, the affliction can advance to the point that only surgical procedures can assist in improving the condition.

Effects of Oral Surgery for Gum Disease

Dental surgery helps treat periodontitis, or the advanced stages of gum infection, in three different ways.  

It Reduces the Sizes of “Pockets”

Pockets refer to the gaps between the dental root and the gums. Worsening gingivitis forces the gums to pull back, exposing the tooth’s roots. Moreover, these pockets accumulate bacteria over time until they damage the bone. To address this, surgeons will open the infected gum and make a flap in which they insert an implant. The flap is then closed with sutures and left to recover.

It Helps the Gums Regenerate

Regenerative surgery, also known as guided tissue regeneration, involves incising the gingiva to expose infected tissues and bone. The periodontist cleans the infection first, then attaches a membrane that protects the bone and allows it to heal and become stronger. The membrane also contains proteins that encourage tissue growth.

The surgery can save the healthy part of the bone and extend the tooth’s life. Otherwise, dentures may become necessary.

It Replaces Receded or Lost Gums

Dental surgeons can perform a soft tissue graft to restore gums lost to the periodontal recession. The procedure involves extracting gingival tissue from other areas of your mouth and transplanting it to the afflicted gums. This could also result in regeneration as well. Tissue grafting is both a surgical and cosmetic operation.

Call Us If You Need Oral Surgery in Marco Island

Advanced gum disease may not be reversible, but you can treat it through oral surgery. Call us now for an appointment. We’ll look at your situation and decide the best type of surgical procedure for you.