A Periodontist Shares the Goal of Gingival Gum Surgery

If you have never visited a periodontist for oral health treatment, it is helpful to know what these professionals do. Periodontists are dentists that focus on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum disease and related issues. One symptom of this disease is gum recession. It may require gingival gum surgery to correct and restore your health. As you understand how this process works, you can feel comfortable and at ease.

How people’s gums recede

Gum disease is a serious condition that can eventually cause tooth loss and bone loss. Infections can develop, which could spread throughout the body. When gum disease develops, the patient’s gums can swell and bleed. Another consequence is that gums can recede and start to pull away from the teeth. Bacteria forms on the teeth and gums, attacking and destroying the tissue. The most common reason for this is that people do not brush and floss effectively.

An understanding of gingival gum surgery

This process takes tissue from other parts of the mouth to build up the gums. The periodontist normally will use tissue from the roof of the mouth and then graft it to the gums. This helps to fill in the portions that have pulled away from the teeth. There are a few different types of this procedure.

One option allows the periodontist to stitch the tissue to the needed areas of the gums. In other processes, the periodontist can cut a flap in the roof of the mouth. Connective tissue underneath completes a gum graft. Tissue from around the gums may also be used as a graft.

To stop decay

Any periodontist will agree that gum recession presents some challenges and concerns. This is much more than a cosmetic condition that affects the person’s smile. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed. This makes them prone to tooth decay, which can be painful and deteriorate the teeth. Gingival gum surgery covers the roots and brings the gums back to their right places against the teeth.

To stop inflammation

As the gums recede, there can be other effects. The patient will likely experience swollen, inflamed gums. The gums may also be tender to the touch and be painful while the person is eating. Bleeding is also common during brushing and flossing. Surgery from the periodontist will not only stop recession, but it could halt these other symptoms as well. The surgery can relieve the pain and discomfort that the person is feeling.