WHEN DO YOU NEED PERIODONTAL SURGERY?
Periodontal disease is a common health issue. Many people don’t even know they are affected, as it has atypical symptoms. This way, if left untreated, it can progress to a stage which later might require surgical intervention in addition to conservative therapies.
Periodontal surgery is needed when the inflammatory process becomes so advanced that the periodontium – the support structure of the tooth – can no longer be treated by conservative methods. In this case, the gums around the teeth have to be opened (leaving a flap), and the periodontal pockets have to be cleaned. In some cases, reconstructive surgery or free gingival grafting may be necessary. The surgery is completed by placing sutures.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is usually painless, thanks to the use of the most modern anesthetic substances and technologies.
Whenever needed, we also use regenerative substances and other surgical materials (bone substitutes, membranes).
It is advised to eat before the operation, because you won’t be able to eat again until the effect of the anesthetic has worn off.
OTHER PERIODONTAL OPERATIONS
GINGIVOPLASTY
In the case of non-inflammatory gum recession, the neck of the tooth becomes exposed, which is not only an aesthetic issue, but can also cause long-term loss of functional stability, extreme sensitivity to heat or cold, brushing difficulties and cavities. In case of such indications (whether they involve a tooth or an implant), plastic surgery can correct the silhouette, shape and thickness of the gums, often by implanting a lobe graft taken from the palate. Corrective surgery can also be used for gum sculpting in the case of extreme gum swelling or a high gumline / gummy smile.
LABIAL FRENECTOMY
In some cases, the lower or upper labial frenulum forms a thick, banded attachment, which can cause gum recession or gaps between the teeth on the long term. In such cases, we recommend to have this cut, either in early childhood or later, combined with orthodontic therapy. The attachment of this connective tissue can cause speech impediments and phonation difficulties, we therefore recommend to address any such issues relatively early in childhood. These operations are often carried out using surgical lasers.
WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO DO AFTER THE SURGERY
In order to reduce discomfort after the procedure, it is important to ice the impacted area. For this, apply facial cream first to the region that needs cooling, then wrap some bagged ice in a piece of cloth, and place it on the area for 5 minutes. It’s advised to repeat this five times a day. Icing is not necessary any more after one day following the surgery.
In some cases you might need antibiotics and painkillers: your treating dentist will inform you about this after the surgery. In order to ensure success of the treatment, you must take the medication prescribed according to the instructions (including the correct dosage).
Oral hygiene
In the first two weeks, the affected area should only be cleaned by rinsing or with a soft (surgical) toothbrush. The risk of post-operative complications can be significantly reduced by keeping a strict oral hygiene routine after the procedure. In order to achieve good oral hygiene, use a chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash twice a day for rinsing, and smear the wound with the gel recommended by your dentist.
Stitches are usually removed 7-14 days after the intervention.
Eating
You shouldn’t eat after the surgery until the effect of the anesthetic wears off, although drinking fluids is allowed. In the first 24 hours, you should strictly avoid milk and dairy products, any food containing seeds (such as nuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, muesli), smoking or drinking alcohol!
Soft, easily chewable foods are recommended in the days following the surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
After the operation, you may experience varying degrees of pain, swelling of the gums or face, and possibly a slight bluish discolouration of the skin. These will disappear within a few days after surgery.
As with any surgery, there are risks. There may be receding gums and tooth sensitivity. There may also be a minimal risk of damage to nerve-vascular formations.
We believe in the importance of patient information, as giving accurate instructions to follow can make a big difference to the outcome of a procedure. You can read and download our patient information leaflet here, which will hopefully be helpful.
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLETS
OUR DENTISTS UNDERTAKING THE PROCEDURE
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