Periodontitis or inflammation of gums is a serious problem if left untreated. Neglecting it can lead to bleeding gums and eventually tooth loss. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up around your tooth, triggering inflammation in gums. Although proper oral hygiene, nonsurgical treatment and medications can help manage the condition, there are times when undergoing surgery is necessary as well. Here are the surgical treatment options for periodontitis:
Flap surgery
Flap surgery, otherwise known as pocket reduction surgery, is an option for people suffering from advanced gum disease. The periodontist will make tiny incisions around the gum area so that they can lift the gum tissue back to its original form. With flap surgery, it is much easier to perform root planing and dental scaling to complete the treatment.
Since gum disease often causes a person to suffer from bone loss, the periodontist may also need to recontour the underlying bone. They will do it before suturing the gum tissue to its original place.
Once the wound has completely healed, it’ll be much easier to brush the teeth and maintain healthy gums.
Soft tissue grafts
When a person suffers from periodontitis, their gum line tends to recede. Once that happens, the dentist may need to perform soft tissue graft. Doing so will reinforce some of the damaged soft tissue.
To complete the procedure, the dentist needs to take a small amount of tissue right from the palate and attach it to the affected area. If the patient already suffers from tooth loss, then dental implants may be needed to replace the missing teeth. If it’s the wisdom tooth that got damaged, the patient needs to undergo wisdom tooth surgery first. In Singapore, many dental practices perform such different procedures, making it convenient for you to address your gum disease.
Guided tissue regeneration
This type of procedure promotes bone regrowth from the area that the bacteria destroyed. The dentist puts a section of biocompatible fabric right between the tooth and the existing bone. The material will prevent any unnecessary soft tissue from penetrating the healing area, thus, creating a space where the bone can freely grow back.
Cleaning and scaling
Though nonsurgical, cleaning and scaling involves the use of specialised hand tools or an ultrasonic apparatus to break up the cavity and plaque buildup in a tooth and beneath the gums. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, the treatment may last for one to two visits to remove the plaque. If the condition persists or advances, you may need to consider dental surgery options mentioned above.
If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, it’s best to see your dentist. They will determine the severity of your condition. Moreover, they will refer you to the right specialist who’ll treat your disease. But like any other dental condition, periodontitis can be prevented through proper oral care and routine dental visits. Even if you haven’t noticed any gum problem, you must have them checked whenever you undergo a tooth cleaning or other routine procedures.
