Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Your periodontist has measured the depth of your periodontal pocket(s) and has recommended surgical periodontal treatment, specifically an access flap surgery, because the pockets are too deep to clean effectively without direct access to the root surfaces of your teeth.
During this procedure, your periodontist lifts the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before stitching the gum tissue back into place. This allows the gum tissue to reattach, helping you keep your teeth. Your teeth may become more sensitive for a while after the procedure. The long-term success of this treatment will depend on your ability to maintain excellent home care and undergo regular periodontal maintenance with your periodontist and their team of specialist-trained oral hygienists at ‘The Periodontists’.
Benefits of Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to maintain a healthy smile.
Deeper pockets are more difficult for you and your dental care professional to clean, so it’s important to reduce them. Reduced pockets, along with a combination of daily oral hygiene and professional maintenance care, increase your chances of keeping your natural teeth and decrease your chances of serious health problems (see main brochure) associated with periodontal disease.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is a procedure that increases the amount of visible tooth structure.
Purpose:
This procedure can be performed for restorative purposes, to prepare a tooth for a crown, or for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’.
Restorative purposes:
When a tooth is fractured or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening creates enough space for a proper restoration, such as a crown. It ensures there is sufficient tooth structure for a secure and stable restoration.
Cosmetic Concerns:
‘Gummy smile’ correction: If excessive gum tissue covers the teeth, crown lengthening can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. It can also correct asymmetries in the gum line, resulting in a more harmonious appearance.
Before and After
Improving Bone Volume Prior to Dental Implant Placement
Before:
After:
FAQs
What is surgical periodontal treatment?
Surgical periodontal treatment, also known as access flap surgery, involves the periodontist lifting the gum tissue to clean deep periodontal pockets and remove bacteria from the root surfaces. The gums are then stitched back into place to help them reattach to teeth securely.
Why do I need surgery for periodontal disease?
If the pockets around your teeth are too deep to clean with regular brushing or scaling, surgery allows for better access to remove bacteria. This helps reduce pocket depth and prevent further damage caused by gum disease.
Will surgical periodontal treatment be painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and sedation options are available if you’re anxious. After the procedure, you may feel some discomfort or sensitivity, but this can usually be managed with pain relief.
How long is recovery after periodontal surgery?
Most patients experience mild swelling or sensitivity for a few days. Healing times vary, but many people can return to normal activities within a week. Your periodontist will provide aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery
What are the long-term benefits of this treatment?
Surgical treatment can stop the progression of gum disease, improve oral hygiene access, and help you keep your natural teeth longer. Combined with regular maintenance and good home care, it significantly reduces the risk of tooth loss.