Do Oral Surgeons Treat Gum Disease?

Early stages of gum disease typically respond well to conservative treatments, but in more advanced cases, surgery can be needed. Surgery for periodontal disease is designed to control the spread of the infection, simplify dental hygiene needs, and restore lost tissue. Our oral surgeon in LA can help you decide if oral surgery is right for you.

Several oral surgery procedures can be used in the treatment of gum disease, including:

1.       Pocket reduction surgery

During this procedure, the plaque and tartar are thoroughly cleaned from the roots of the teeth before the gums are sutured to fit more tightly around the teeth.

2.       Bone surgery

The bone around the teeth can develop irregularities and craters as a result of inflammation. Oral surgery can be used to smooth these areas so that oral bacteria cannot collect in them.

3.       Bone and soft tissue grafts

These procedures restore tissue that has been damaged or destroyed as a result of gum disease. Guided tissue regeneration can also be used to stimulate tissue growth.

Your periodontics treatment plan may include both surgical and nonsurgical procedures designed to address the underlying cause of your gum disease and to restore lost tissue. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.

Surgery for Gum Disease

Gingivitis, or mild gum disease, can usually be treated simply. Treatment involves proper brushing, flossing, and eating healthy. Regular professional cleanings by your West Hollywood dentist are also imperative. If this is not done, or not successful, gingivitis can quickly develop into periodontitis, or severe gum disease.

Periodontal disease can sometimes be eliminated with a scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and just below the gum line. If this is not effective, surgical procedures are necessary.

Periodontal surgery in West Hollywood

Gum flap surgery is a more extensive version of scaling and root planing. For this procedure, incisions are made in the gums so they can be pulled back. This allows our expert more access to the roots, so they can remove the plaque and bacteria there. The gums are then set back into place and stitched together.

Bone and tissue grafts are necessary if the disease has reached a critical point. After a time, if it is not treated, periodontitis can cause the gums and underlying bone to recede and diminish. This can leave the tooth roots exposed, which can cause damage and severe sensitivity. Tissue can be taken from elsewhere in the mouth, elsewhere on the body, or from a donor to protect the teeth and restore structure.