Advanced gum disease puts your teeth, jawbone, mouth, and entire physical health in danger. If not treated promptly, gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and jawbone damage. In worse cases, periodontal bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to vital body parts like the heart and brain, increasing your risk of chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and immune system dysfunction.
It’s essential to seek treatment for gum disease as soon as you notice any symptoms. If the condition is in the early stages, you can benefit from non-surgical treatments like routine dental assessments and cleanings, medications, root planing and scaling (deep cleaning).
However, if your condition has progressed extensively and non-surgical treatments aren’t effective, the dentist or periodontist can recommend periodontal surgery. Keep reading to learn more about gum flap surgery and what to expect during and after your treatment.
Advanced gum disease destroys the tissues, encouraging bacterial plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, creating deeper gum pockets.
If not treated promptly, the disease infects the supporting structures of the teeth, like the jawbone and connective tissues, resulting in tooth mobility and loss and bone loss. The disease also causes severe symptoms like swollen or sensitive gums, tooth pain or sensitivity, gum bleeding, and facial swelling.
Gum flap surgery is a periodontal procedure for reducing and treating periodontal pockets. It stops the progression of the disease and allows your gums to recover faster and better.
Flap surgery is only necessary when you have gum disease. It’s mainly used when your condition has advanced to a severe stage known as periodontitis. However, flap surgery can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve a gummy smile.
Common reasons for flap surgery include:
Once you visit our dentist, they will inspect your gum and mouth for signs of gum disease. They might take X-rays and measurements of your pockets to determine whether flap surgery is right for you.
Typically, the gum flap surgery procedure involves the following steps:
After flap surgery, you may experience some soreness, pain, and swelling once the anesthesia wears off. Fortunately, your dentist will prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication to manage these symptoms for faster healing and to prevent infections.
Generally, swelling and other symptoms will subside within a week or so. Along with the medication, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions strictly. Other tips to promote faster healing and recovery after a flap surgery:
Typically, it takes about 2 – 3 weeks for your gums to heal after flap surgery. Once you’ve healed, your gums should be healthy, pink, and non-painful. Keep up with thorough brushing and flossing, and schedule routine dental exams and cleanings every six months to prevent the recurrence of gum disease and keep your smile healthy.
Are you interested in gum flap surgery in Westwood, MA? Contact Westwood Dental Group for more information.
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