Gum Surgery
Gum Surgery
Gum Surgery Columbus, OH
Sometimes, periodontal or gum surgery may be needed to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The procedure will treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by allowing for the regrowth of damaged bones and tissues.
Gum surgery is a form of dental surgery that prevents or corrects traumatic, anatomical, developmental, or plaque-induced defects in the bone, gingiva, or alveolar mucosa. The objectives of this surgery include the accessibility of dental instruments to address the root surface, the elimination of inflammation, the creation of an oral environment for plaque control, periodontal diseases control, oral hygiene maintenance, maintain proper spacing, address either gingiva or alveolar mucosa problems, and aesthetic improvement for cosmetic reasons.
At East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, our entire team loves helping you develop optimal oral health as well as a functional and healthy smile. Our team uses forward thinking treatments and state-of-the-art technology, to ensure the most comfortable treatment for you. Our practice focuses on delivering personal care and developing individual treatment plans based on your unique needs. We emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is important to keep your mouth healthy and how to do it. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of gum surgery for you.
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry, will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. But good oral hygiene is not just for your teeth, it also keeps your gums healthy. Regular oral exams give us the opportunity to detect gum disease in its early stages and treat it before it progresses.
SERVICES
Some Reasons for Gum Surgery
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can usually be treated easily at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis that will leads to inflammation and damaged bone and tissue. Now treatment may involve gum surgery. Gum surgery can regrow damaged bones and tissues, prevent tooth loss, reduce gum gaps between the teeth, and reshape your jawbone to eliminate bacterial growth.
Gum disease is not the only reason for gum surgery. You may be interested in cosmetic gum surgery, when your gums cover too much of your teeth, a condition known as a “gummy smile.”
A Typical Gum Surgery Procedure
Before most types of gum surgery begin, East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will thoroughly clean your teeth and administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area. A general anesthetic may be needed on an occasion. If you require a deep clean beneath the surface of the gums, we will make small incisions along the gum line, and lift the gums away from the teeth to clean even deeper and remove any tartar, plaque, or infected tissue. Finally, we will perform the specific procedure you need, then suture your gums back in place.
Types of Gum Surgery
The variation of gum surgery you may need depends on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage it has caused, or the type of cosmetic results you may desire. Types of gum surgery include:
- Gum Graft- Tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and is stitched into place on either side of a tooth that is exposed due to gums that are receding. This helps even the gum line and reduces sensitivity.
- Gingivoplasty- Healthy gum tissue is reshaped to be more visually appealing, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
- Gingival Flap Surgery- Your gums are separated from the teeth for a deep cleaning, then stitched back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping is sometimes required during the surgery.
- Gingivectomy- All excess and overgrown gum tissue is removed to improve your aesthetics and to make it easier to keep the surface of your teeth clean.
- Gum Regeneration- Gum tissue is folded back, and bacteria is removed. We insert bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to help the gum tissues regenerate around the teeth.
COMMON PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
Alternatives to Gum Surgery
For certain gum conditions, you may be a candidate for alternative treatments that will not require gum surgery. For receding gums, the pinhole technique for gum grafting uses a special instrument to release the gum tissue and move it to its proper position on the teeth. Once the gums are in their correct position, collagen strips are used to stabilize the gum position and encourage the readaptation of the gum tissue to the teeth at a new level.
Another non-surgical gum treatment is using the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, LANAP, which can treat the pockets between the gum and teeth that collect gum disease-causing bacteria. A laser eliminates bacteria in the pockets and removes diseased tissue to help the collagen fibers of the gums reattach to the tooth, recreating the lost natural seal.
Gum Surgery Aftercare
After your gum surgery, you may only have mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Moderate swelling may occur. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry will give you more specific information about how to manage any pain and swelling you might have.
Recovery times for gum surgery will depend on the type of procedure, but most likely we will schedule a follow-up exam within 1 to 2 weeks. During your recovery period, you will need to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and avoid infection. We may also prescribe a round of antibiotics.
For the first few days after surgery, you may be instructed to eat soft foods and avoid strenuous exercise. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the entire recovery process.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Dr. Levy and the staff are wonderful, friendly, caring people. They make you feel calm during what can be a very stressful time. I had a deep cleaning & extraction yesterday and it was painless and quick. I was in and out in just a little over an hour. I received instructions for my aftercare along with the items needed to take care of my mouth. I feel wonderful today, no pain and eating normally. If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, come see Dr. Levy and staff, they will put you at ease and take good care of you!
- Christi L
Everyone made me feel so welcomed even though I was nervous, Dr. Levy was great and informative made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone.
- Dee H.
The Cost of Your Gum Surgery
The cost of your gum surgery treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your personal treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Affordable Payment Plans
Your smile is an invaluable asset, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best dental care when you need it. East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and any paperwork. We work with your insurance provider to make sure that your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
A Mission Statement YOU can Trust for High Quality Periodontal Care
The entire team at East Columbus Periodontic and Implant Dentistry is focused on providing you with excellence in periodontal and implant care in a concerned, caring, gentle, friendly, and relaxed environment.
Our philosophy of care is multidisciplinary, to create partnerships with your general dentist as well as other dental specialists and provide you with the most comprehensive treatment planning and care that is available today.
Our team believes that communication is crucial for both you and us, both in written documentation and verbal communication. Value-based decisions are at the cornerstone of our personalized treatment for you. We are located at 5180 E. Main St., Suite A, Columbus, OH, 43213. Please call us today at 614-864-2561 to establish an appointment that works for your schedule.