Surgical ProceduresSurgical Treatment Options provided by Dr. Marcus Blue in Basalt, CO at Blue Periodontics  Bacterial buildups resulting from poor dental hygiene will eventually lead to gum disease, or periodontitis if left untreated. This is caused by the film of plaque that is deposited from the metabolic processes performed by the bacteria. The plaque will eventually harden and form tartar, which is a substance that is much more difficult to remove from the gums. If tartar begins to form, then medical intervention will be required from a dental health professional to treat the periodontitis. Here at Blue Periodontics, we recognize the consequences of gum disease and want to keep your mouth healthy to prevent serious symptoms from occurring. Our team of dedicated specialists are experienced in treating gum disease and will work with you to find the best treatment plan available. If you are experiencing severe inflammation and irritation of the gums, you may have periodontitis. Continue reading to find out the surgical treatment options for the final stages of gum disease. Gingivectomy or Pocket Reduction SurgeryTartar that is buried beneath the gumline is hard to access and may require pocket reduction surgery to treat. In this procedure, the gums lining the teeth are folded back, allowing the periodontist or oral surgeon to access the buildup of tartar. This should be done with the use of a local anesthetic, so the process should be painless if done correctly. Once the ‘pockets’ of tartar are exposed, the surgeon will scrape away the tartar so that your gums can begin to heal properly. This usually also involves planing the root of the tooth to create a smooth surface for the gums to hold on to. A smooth surface makes it easier for the gums to heal. A gingivectomy is a similar process but usually refers to reshaping the contour of the gumline. In the later stages of periodontitis, the gumline can start to recede, which allows bacteria and plaque to enter the gums. By reshaping the contour of the gumline, your gums can heal properly and will be less prone to bacterial infections and plaque buildups. You may need sutures to keep the gums in place after the surgery or a special dressing may be applied to your teeth that will fall out naturally after three to four days. Our office will tell you which pain medications to use afterward to help soothe any pain you may be feeling. Bone GraftingIn the most severe cases of periodontitis, bacteria will begin deteriorating your bones in the jaw. These bones support the structure of the teeth and if they become damaged your teeth may become loose. In the worst-case scenario, this will result in the infected tooth falling out altogether, making it harder to chew and causing issues in jaw alignment. To treat this issue, you may need a bone graft. This procedure involves grafting a bone material to your existing jawbone to add extra support to the tooth. New bone cells will generate around this material, resulting in a strong support for your tooth to attach to. Periodontitis can be a severe disease and should be given attention immediately to prevent further damage to the mouth and rest of the body. If you think that you may have gum disease that needs to be treated, call Blue Periodontics at (970) 678-3473 to set up an appointment today, and we will help guide you to take the proper corrective actions. |
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