Periodontal Surgery (Gum Surgery)

Gum Graft Surgery to treat dental gum disease

Periodontal surgery, or gum surgery involves several types of treatment. As a general dentist, I am licensed to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the gums and supporting bone, such as dental gum disease.

I am an associate member of the American Academy of Periodontology and have amassed hundreds of hours of additional training in the field.

Dental plaque is the bacteria-laden film that sticks to your teeth and is the single greatest cause of dental gum disease.

My highly gifted team of dental hygienists are very proactive when it comes to preventing periodontal breakdown that can lead to dental gum disease. Prevention and conservative approaches are the cornerstones of maintaining optimal gum health.

Periodontal gum surgery becomes necessary when these early measures of health maintenance fail and involves the surgical treatment of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth

Some types of periodontal surgery and gum disease treatment include:

• Lengthening a Tooth (Crown Lengthening): When it is necessary to place a crown over a damaged tooth, it is necessary that enough of the natural tooth is exposed to provide a good sold base. If there is not enough tooth exposed, the doctor may need to perform periodontal surgery to remove some gum or bone tissue.
• Gingival Flap Surgery: In the case of severely inflamed tissue, I may need to perform this periodontal flap surgery. He will gently remove the tissue, and any plaque or tartar that is close to the root of the tooth, by separating the gums from the teeth.
• Gingivectomy: If there is gap between the tooth and gum, food particles and debris can be trapped, causing decay or infection. This type of surgery involves carefully removing some of the gum tissue therefore eliminating the gaps
• Gingivoplasty: When gum disease has caused the tissue to become unattractive, I may surgically reshape it to create a more normal appearance.
• Soft Tissue Graft: In the case of severely receding gums, the doctor can surgically remove tissue from one part of the mouth, and graft it onto the affected area.

Expert gum surgery with an emphasis on comfort

I am committed to making your experience at this office as comfortable and relaxing as possible. When gum surgery is necessary, my goal is for you to feel virtually no discomfort. Usually a local anesthetic is used in conjunction with nitrous oxide. In certain cases, general anesthetic can be requested. That requires that the procedure be performed in a hospital, which in some rare cases is the best solution.

After periodontal surgery, most patients begin to feel better within one or two days. A dressing will cover the affected area for a week or so to protect and sooth the gums. Pain medication is prescribed where needed and the doctor will also prescribe a special mouthwash that will speed healing and prevent infection.

Periodontal laser surgery and gum graft surgery for gum disease

Having performing hundreds of periodontal and gum surgeries, I am highly qualified and experienced in this field. Most of all, I care about the well-being of all my patients. If gum surgery is necessary, please call our office at 212-685-3040 today for an appointment. You will find our entire staff to be compassionate and caring.