For Treating Disease or For Aesthetics
If your dentist recommends gum surgery, it may mean that you have developed gum disease that has already become problematic. Untreated gum disease can leave you with infected and damaged gums that require surgery. You need to understand why you have become a candidate for gum surgery and that there are several types.
Why do you need gum surgery?
The most common cause of gum disease is the excessive buildup of bacteria in your mouth from a lot of plaque on your teeth. This may lead to infection that your body is having difficulty fighting. You might not be visiting your dentist regularly and, hence, the issue is long overlooked. You might already have periodontitis which can do considerable damage to gum tissue and jaw bone. However, gum surgery is not only for gum disease, but an option also for cosmetic reasons.
Depending on the severity of gum disease or the type of cosmetic fix you want, here are the different types of gum surgery. Either way you will need a gum specialist for the procedure.
Gingival Flap Surgery or Pocket Reduction
Your gums will be folded back or separated from your teeth to remove any debris, calculus, or bacteria. The gum tissue is secured against your teeth or stitched back into place instead of letting it grow back on its own. The gums will be stitched back. Sometimes bone reshaping is required.
Gum Regeneration
Your gums are folded back to allow for deep cleaning, especially the removal of bacteria. Then follows the insertion of bone grafts, membranes, or other tissue-stimulating proteins (a combination of these is also possible). This helps the damaged gums to regenerate on its own around the teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafting
Sample tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth, usually the roof of the mouth, and attached or stitched to your gums to replace gum tissue that has undergone recession or has been removed due to gum damage. This helps cover up exposed roots, even the gum line and reduce sensitivity, and improve the overall appearance of the teeth.
Gingivectomy
This is the removal of overgrown gum tissue, thereby, improving the length of the teeth involved. It is used to treat gum disease and also for aesthetic effects. It keeps the teeth area clean and easier to clean.
Gingivoplasty
It is the reshaping of healthy gum tissue to make the teeth and gums more appealing and healthy-looking. Sometimes this is done with gum graft.
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