What is periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery is a treatment for gum disease, also called periodontal disease. During the operation, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart control the damage from periodontal disease and help prevent further complications.
There are different types of periodontal surgery that Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart will discuss with you before the date of your procedure. They examine your teeth and gums to make a diagnosis. Then they discuss with you which approach is right for your specific case.
During the surgery, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart lifts your gums away from the roots of your teeth to expose them. Then, they deeply clean them to remove tartar, plaque, and infected tissue. They might also use bone grafting or gum grafting if you are losing bone or tissue because of the disease.
When should I consider periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery is a treatment for later stages of gum disease that are no longer treatable with a non-surgical deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) or with an improved hygiene routine at home. Gum disease develops when bacteria builds up in your mouth and affects your soft tissues. Eventually, the inflammatory response that occurs can destroy your gum tissue and harm your teeth and gums.
You should consider booking an appointment to see if you need periodontal surgery if you notice these signs and symptoms:
Signs and Symptoms You Need Periodontal Surgery
- Pockets between your gums and teeth
- Gum recession
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Pus between your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum bleeding and tenderness
- Loose teeth
- New or widening spaces between teeth
Many of these signs could indicate other oral health conditions. Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart will perform an exam to assess your oral health and determine if you need periodontal treatment or surgery.
What are my options for periodontal surgery?
Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart use several different approaches to perform periodontal surgery. Your options include:
Conventional periodontal surgery
Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart perform conventional periodontal surgery using a scalpel. They carefully remove areas of diseased tissue with sharp, sterile tools, clean the area, and replace the gum tissue with stitches.
LANAP®
Laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), now also known as LAR, Laser-Assisted Regeneration, is an alternative approach to periodontal surgery using lasers instead of scalpels or surgical knives to remove diseased tissue. If you’re hesitant to undergo conventional surgery, LANAP may be an option for you.
If you have symptoms of moderate to severe gum disease and want to learn more about periodontal surgery, call the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart or book a consultation online today.
