Periodontal surgeries are dental procedures that are performed to treat advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious condition that can cause damage to the soft tissues and bone that support the teeth, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
There are several different types of periodontal surgeries, including:
- Flap surgery: This involves lifting the gums away from the teeth and removing the tartar and bacteria from the roots of the teeth. The gums are then repositioned to fit snugly around the teeth.
- Bone grafting: In cases where bone has been lost due to periodontitis, bone grafting may be necessary. This involves taking bone from another part of the body or using synthetic bone material to replace the lost bone and stimulate new bone growth.
- Guided tissue regeneration: This is a procedure where a barrier is placed between the gum tissue and the bone to allow new bone and tissue to grow.
- Soft tissue grafting: This is a procedure where tissue from the roof of the mouth or another donor source is used to reinforce thin gums and protect exposed tooth roots.
- Dental implants: In cases where teeth have been lost due to periodontitis, dental implants can be used to replace the missing teeth. This involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone to support a crown or bridge.
Periodontal surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the complexity of the case. Patients may need to follow a special diet or avoid certain activities during the recovery period, and regular follow-up appointments with the dentist or periodontist are important to ensure proper healing and maintenance of oral health.