What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a severe form of gum disease where the body’s inflammatory response begins to destroy the surrounding bone and tissue. As the gums start to separate from the teeth, spaces or “pockets” form, which can trap bacteria and lead to infection. Over time, these pockets deepen, causing further damage to the bone that anchor the roots of the teeth. If too much bone is lost, tooth extraction may become necessary.
How Is a Periodontal Surgery Carried Out?
At our practice, our specialist periodontist begins by assessing the depth of your periodontal pockets. Initial treatment typically involves non-invasive procedures known as root surface debridement, where the goal is to reduce the inflammation by removing the bacteria causing the infection, which also reduces the size of the pockets. If the pockets do not reduce significantly after this treatment, it is due to an irregular anatomy on the bone holding the root. If this is the case, your periodontist may recommend a periodontal surgery to either even out the areas with irregular bone loss, or regenerate the irregular bone defects.
Periodontal surgery is advised when maintaining the health of deeper pockets becomes unpredictable. During the procedure, your periodontist will gently fold back the gum tissue to access and remove the disease-causing bacteria. In some cases, the damaged bone surfaces are smoothed down, or regenerative procedures are performed to encourage the reattachment of gum tissue to healthy bone. This approach helps reduce pocket depth and prevents further damage caused by chronic inflammation. Ultimately, the shallower the pockets, the more predictable it will be to maintain healthy gums in the long term and maintain a healthy smile.
While eliminating bacteria is crucial, it may not be sufficient on its own to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Other factors, such as smoking, appropriate home care, and managing conditions like diabetes, also play a significant role in long-term periodontal health.
Why Is Periodontal Surgery Important?
Reducing pocket depth and removing bacteria are essential steps in controlling periodontal disease and preventing further progression. Deeper pockets are more challenging for both you and your dental hygienist to clean effectively, making it important to address these issues through surgery when necessary. Combining surgical treatment with good daily oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance care greatly increases your chances of retaining your natural teeth and reduces the risk of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Periodontal Surgery?
Periodontal surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe or advanced gum disease. Ideal candidates often exhibit symptoms such as:
- Red or swollen gums that bleed easily
- Visible gaps between the gums and teeth
- Receding gums that pull away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Persistent bad breath
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, periodontal surgery may be necessary to restore your oral health and prevent further complications.
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