Periodontal Surgery
Our mouths is full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean.
What is periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery or periodontal treatment is a procedure done to manage signs of periodontal disease activity i.e. needed to stop progressive bone loss and regenerate lost bone where possible. It is done to prevent tooth loss, gap between teeth, bleeding gums and bad breath to restore periodontal health.
Why would you need Gum Surgery?
The main goal of periodontal flap surgery is to get rid of any diseased tissue through a small incision at the junction of gum and teeth. The gum tissue then cuts off a flap-like section that gives the dentist easy access to the ligaments and bone tissues. This installation of the diseased tissue, bone or ligaments is removed and then the teeth are cleaned intensely. The cleaning process helps to get rid of any harmful bacteria, plaque or even calculus.
In the periodontal flap surgery, the flap is folded back in its original position and then sealed to initiate a rapid healing procedure. A number of techniques can be utilized to perform this procedure including a hi-tech method that involves using chemicals and even bone grafting. Patients who undergo flap surgery aims to restore healthy gum and secure anchoring of teeth.
This depends on the oral health and lifestyle factors that varies with each individual. As a general guideline, we recommend 6 monthly visits unless informed otherwise by the dentist. Some of the reasons that could require more frequent professional cleaning include:
Smoking, Diabetes, Tea/Coffee/Wine staining, History of gum disease or decay, Bad breath
Yes! Even dentists have to get scaling and polishing done regularly.
There are simply too many hard to access crevices that plaque can accumulate in before we can remove them by brushing and flossing. Once plaque hardens to form tartar, brushing and flossing will be ineffective at removing them and scaling will be required.
However, thorough brushing and cleaning habits will allow us to complete the scaling and polishing treatment in a shorter time.
The ultrasonic scaler that we use produces a high-pitched sound that might sound scary to many, but it actually is a very gentle device. It comprises of a rounded tip that is vibrating at a frequency that dislodges tartar without harming the teeth. It also sprays a cooling mist of water to wash away the plaque and tartar.
If done regularly, scaling and polishing is supposed to have minimum discomfort. Most people find it painless.
Sometimes, stubborn and deep tartar, sore gums or exposed sensitive surfaces of the teeth can result in pain. If it does get unbearable, local anesthetic can be requested. Depending on the situation, we may even recommend that the cleaning be done over several visits.