What is Periodontal Surgery?
Sometimes, periodontal surgery may be necessary to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. This type of surgery is commonly known as periodontal surgery, or gum surgery.
Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular exams at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, will help keep your teeth healthy. But good oral hygiene is more than just your teeth, it also keeps your gums healthy. Regular oral exams give us the chance to proactively detect gum disease in its initial stages and treat it before it can cause any damage.
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 possible Periodontal 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.
If you neglect your regular dental visits, untreated gum disease will advance and leave you with infected and damaged gums that may require periodontal 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 Periodontal Surgery?
If you have severe or advanced gum disease around your gums and the tissues that support your teeth you are quite often a candidate for periodontal surgery.
If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include:
- Gums that are swollen, dark red, or bleeding.
- Deep pockets form between your gums and teeth.
- Constant bad breath.
- Pain when you chew.
- Loose teeth.
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth.
Some Reasons for Periodontal Surgery
Gingivitis, which is the first level of gum disease, can usually be treated quickly and successfully. Periodontitis is the next advanced stage of gingivitis that develops into inflammation and damaged bone and tissue. Periodontitis will require a visit to Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, and possible treatment might involve periodontal surgery. This surgery can reduce gaps between your teeth, regrow damaged bones and tissues, prevent any tooth loss, and reshape the jawbone to eliminate further bacterial growth.
The periodontal surgery procedure aims to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:
- Eliminating bacteria and all infection.
- Regrowing damaged bones and tissues.
- Preventing tooth loss.
- Reducing the gaps between gums and teeth, called black triangles.
- Reshaping your jawbone to lower the risk for any further bacterial growth.
However, gum disease is not the only reason for periodontal surgery. You might be interested in cosmetic gum surgery, when your gums cover too much of your teeth, creating a condition called a gummy smile.
The Different Types of Periodontal Surgery
The type of periodontal surgery you need for your gums will depend on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage done, or your cosmetic and aesthetic goals. Types of periodontal surgery offered at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry include:
- Gum Graft- Soft tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and then stitched into place on either side of the tooth that is exposed from gums receding. This evens the gum line, reduces sensitivity, and improves aesthetics.
- Gum Regeneration- The gum tissue is folded back, and all bacteria is removed. We will then insert bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to accelerate the tissues regenerating around the teeth.
- Gingival Flap Surgery- Your gums are slightly separated from the teeth for a deeper cleaning, then stitched back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping could be added during the surgery.
- Gingivectomy- Any excess or overgrown gum tissue is removed to improve the visual aesthetics and to make it easier to keep the surface of the teeth clean.
- Gingivoplasty- Your healthy gum tissue is reshaped for an appealing aesthetic improvement, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
The Periodontal Surgery Process
Depending on which type of procedure is performed, a number of things could happen. Most periodontal surgery procedures take around two hours. In some situations, the surgery might require you to be asleep or partially asleep during the procedure. With other cases, the surgery may only involve the use of a local anesthetic to numb your gums.
During any procedure, the entire team at Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will use only sterile equipment, including instruments and drapes, to remove any risk of infection. After making small incisions or cuts along your gum line, we lift the gums away from the teeth. This allows us to see the roots so we can remove and clean away all tartar, plaque, or infection.
Following this deep cleaning, Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry may perform other procedures, such as gum reshaping, bone regeneration, or other planned procedures that are for your benefit.
Once the periodontal surgery is complete, we will stitch the gums back into place. We will remove the stitches 7 to 10 days following surgery.
Periodontal Surgery Aftercare
Recovery times for your periodontal surgery will depend on the kind of procedure, but you will have a follow-up appointment within 1 to 2 weeks. During your healing period, you will need to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and avoid any infection. Eddy Periodontics and Implant Dentistry might also prescribe an antibiotic.
For the first few days after surgery, we will advise you to eat soft foods and avoid strenuous exercise. You should also avoid smoking during your 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.
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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.