Surgery for Periodontal Disease

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed. One of the goals of periodontal surgery is to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets to make them easier to keep clean.

With surgery, the dentist can access hard to reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque. The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed. Sometimes the bone around the tooth also is smoothed to help remove these pockets. The gums then are sutured back into place or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home.

Bone surgery may be used to rebuild or reshape bone that has been destroyed. Grafts of the patient's bone or artificial bone may be used, as well as special membranes. The dentist may use splints, bite guards or other appliances to stabilize loose teeth and to aid the regeneration of tissue during healing.

If excessive gum tissue has been lost from the tooth root (gum recession), a gum graft may be performed. After surgery, the dentist may apply a protective dressing over teeth and gums. An antibiotic and mild pain reliever may be prescribed.

Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Your dentist also will want to see you at regular intervals. You may need to schedule more frequent visits than you have in the past.