What is Gum Surgery?
Sometimes, periodontal, or gum surgery, may be needed to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. This type of surgery is most commonly known as gum surgery.
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to see your team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. But good oral hygiene is not just for your teeth, it is also necessary to keep your gums healthy. Regular and consistent oral exams give us the chance to detect gum disease in its preliminary stages and treat it before it progresses.
Nothing but absolute perfection is acceptable at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. The entire staff focuses on a warm, patient, and caring experience for your dental care. Every day, every appointment, every procedure, the team concentrates on earning and maintaining your trust. We are proud to collaborate with you and your family, and each team member participates in continuing education to always apply the recent innovative technological advancements in the dental industry. Whether it is a regular checkup exam or a procedure for Gum Surgery, simply call us at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750, and schedule your appointment today. You can easily find us at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.
When you skip your dental visits, untreated gum disease can quickly leave you with infected and damaged gums that require surgery.
eddy periodontics & implant dentistry
Our Highly Skilled & Compassionate Team
Our team, led by Dr. Nelson Eddy, a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and his son, Dr. Joseph Eddy, combines decades of experience with advanced training to provide exceptional care for every patient.
Are You a Candidate for Gum Surgery?
If you have severe or advanced disease around your gums and the tissues that support your teeth you are usually a candidate for periodontal or gum surgery.
If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include:
- Gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding.
- Deep pockets form between your gums and teeth.
- Having constant bad breath.
- Pain when chewing.
- Loose teeth.
- Gums that recede or pull away from your teeth.
Some Reasons for Gum Surgery
Gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease, can usually be treated quickly and efficiently. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gingivitis that develops into inflammation and damages bone and tissue. Periodontitis will require a visit to Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, and treatment might include gum surgery. Gum surgery will reduce gum gaps between the teeth, regrow the damaged bone and tissues, prevent tooth loss, and reshape the jawbone to eliminate any bacterial growth.
The gum surgery procedure will treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:
- Eliminating bacteria and infection.
- Regrowing damaged bones and tissues.
- Preventing tooth loss.
- Reducing gum gaps between teeth, known as black triangles.
- Reshaping the jawbone to lower the risk for bacterial growth.
However, gum disease is not the only reason for having gum surgery. You might be interested in cosmetic gum surgery, when your gums cover too much of your teeth, a common condition known as a gummy smile.
The Different Types of Gum Surgery
The type of gum surgery you will need depends on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage it has done, or the specific cosmetic results you desire. Types of gum surgery offered at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry include:
- Gum Graft- Healthy tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and stitched into place on either side of a tooth that is exposed because the gums are receding. This helps create an even gum line and reduces sensitivity.
- Gum Regeneration- The gum tissue is folded back, and the bacteria is removed. We may insert bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to promote the gum tissues to regenerate around the teeth.
- Gingival Flap Surgery- The gums are separated from the teeth for a deep cleaning under the gumline, then stitched back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping is also sometimes required during surgery.
- Gingivectomy- Excess and overgrown gum tissue is simply removed to improve the aesthetics and to make it easier to keep the surface of the teeth clean.
- Gingivoplasty- Healthy gum tissue is reshaped for a more visually appealing look, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
The Gum Surgery Process
Depending on the type of procedure, a variety of things might take place. Most gum surgery procedures usually take around two hours to perform. In some situations, the surgery might require a general anesthetic during the procedure. Other times, the surgery will only involve the use of a local anesthetic to numb your soft tissue.
During the procedure, we always use sterile equipment, including all dental instruments and drapes, to minimize any risk of infection. We might make small incisions or cuts along the gum line to lift the gums away from the teeth. Sometimes we might be able to use a dental laser. Either way, this allows us to see the roots better so that we can remove the sole source of the infection, the tartar and plaque.
Following this deep cleaning, Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can perform other procedures if determined to be beneficial to you, such as gum reshaping, bone regeneration procedures, or another discussed and planned procedure.
Once the gum surgery is complete, we will stitch the gums back into place. We will remove the stitches 7 to 10 days after the gum surgery.
Gum Surgery Aftercare
Recovery times for your gum surgery will depend on the type of procedure, but we will schedule a follow-up appointment within a few weeks. During your healing period, you will need to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and to avoid infection. We might also prescribe an antibiotic.
For the first several days after surgery, you might be instructed to eat soft foods and avoid any strenuous exercise. You should also avoid smoking during your entire recovery process.
Bone Grafting
When teeth are extracted or oral cysts are removed, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a sunken facial appearance and make dental implant placement more difficult. A bone graft is a straightforward procedure that promotes the growth of new bone cells, helping to restore your oral health and prepare you for further treatments.
Learn More
Sedation Dentistry
Patient comfort is a top priority for us. To ensure your procedure is both safe and pain-free, we offer various sedation options. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, we may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. We hope these options provide you with peace of mind as you prepare for your treatment.
We Offer A
Variety Of Services For All Your Needs
At Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our goal is to give each patient personalized attention, taking the time to thoroughly understand their needs and concerns. We offer detailed evaluations and comprehensive care to ensure our patients leave feeling positive and in excellent oral health. Explore the treatments we offer to learn more.
Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Earns Your Trust with Our Warm and Caring Focus
Our team is methodical in our approach, concentrating on your well-being through your procedure and your daily life. We appreciate the anxiety and apprehension that often comes with dental care, and therefore we take the time and effort necessary to make you comfortable throughout. Call us today at Rock Hill - (803) 324-8141 or Charlotte - (704) 275-3750 with any questions you may have or to schedule a Dental Implant restoration, and we look forward to seeing you at 1144 India Hook Rd., #D, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 or 3111 Springbank Lane, Ste F, Charlotte, NC 28226.