When gum disease is not responsive to intensive cleaning and treatment, oral surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissues and restore periodontal health. Although gum surgery may seem intimidating, Oral Surgery Center, S.C. reassures patients that the process can be fairly simple and establish the necessary framework for ongoing dental health. To better illustrate how this treatment works, these oral surgeons of Baraboo, WI, address a few common questions regarding gum surgery.

Why Might I Need Gum Surgery?

Generally, this type of oral surgery is reserved for patients who have advanced gum disease that has caused tissues to recede, causing periodontal pockets. These pockets can expose tooth nerves, which may increase the risk of further infection and pain. Surgery can help protect these nerves, stop bacterial infection from spreading, and restore normal gum appearance.

What Are the Different Types of Procedures?

There are a variety of techniques that may be used to deliver specific results. Gingival flap surgery, for example, is among the most common procedures and involves separating infected areas from the tooth, deep cleaning, and reattaching the tissue to reduce pocket appearance.

If parts of the mouth are too damaged for flap restoration, gum and bone grafting can be performed to move healthy tissues to the affected area. Done correctly, grafted tissues can stimulate the growth of new and healthy cells.

Is Surgery Painful?

For most procedures, specialists will apply a local anesthetic to numb gum tissue and prevent pain. The affected area may be tender after the procedure, but should only cause moderate discomfort, if any.

How Can Patients Improve Recovery?

To ensure that repaired and disinfected tissues remain healthy, it is critical that patients follow all aftercare instructions carefully. For example, you may be instructed to use a special antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to ensure that the gums are kept clean, but not aggravated. You should also expect to have several follow-up appointments to evaluate the progress of your recovery.

Although gum surgery is a fairly simple procedure, it is critical that you work with a trusted oral surgeon that has extensive experience removing and restoring periodontal tissues. Patients in the Baraboo, WI, area who require gentle and precise treatment for gum disease can trust in the advanced skills and resources offered by Oral Surgery Center, S.C. You can learn more about their approach to care online or call (608) 356-2112 to schedule a consultation.