How To Know If You Need Gum Surgery?

Research suggests that nearly 50% of people in the US suffer from gum disease. While many factors cause gum disease, it results from plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth. When food particles get trapped between teeth, it mixes with the harmful bacteria that live in the mouth, releasing acidic chemicals that attack the gums and teeth.

Eventually, this leads to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. In its early stages, gum disease is gingivitis. It’s usually treated with good oral hygiene, root planing, and scaling. When left untreated, gingivitis becomes a worse condition called periodontal disease.

With periodontitis, the inflammation spreads further, causing the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth. It leads to the formation of deeper pockets along the gum line. At this stage, the situation is irreversible, and if left untreated, the infection can cause complications such as gum recession, teeth loss, and bone loss. With periodontitis, you need advanced treatment such as gum surgery. For more information, contact our dentist in Merrimack, NH.

When should you Consider Gum Surgery?

Are you considering gum surgery? Here are some signs you can benefit from gum surgery:

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. When eating, brushing, and flossing, the gums are irritated, puffy, and likely bleed. Plaque and bacteria break down the connection between teeth and gums at this stage. While gum disease is manageable through proper dental hygiene, you might need surgery eventually if left untreated.

• Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe type of periodontal disease. At this stage, the infection has spread into the gum tissues, and your teeth may feel loose. The dentist can begin with root planing and scaling to remove plaque and bacteria on the teeth and underneath the gums.

If the condition worsens, the dentist may have to consider advanced treatments. In this case, you may need gum surgery to treat periodontal disease and reduce the bacteria-laden pockets around the teeth. The surgery restores the natural attachment and support of the gum tissue to the teeth.

• Gum Recession

When you don’t address periodontal disease on time, it can lead to further complications such as gum recession. It is a condition where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, forming deep pockets and exposing the teeth’ roots. The significant gaps allow more bacteria and plaque to accumulate between the teeth and gums, leading to gum recession. Eventually, the roots can decay, leading to tooth loss and bone damage.

After gum recession, the gum tissue cannot grow back normally. Your dentist or periodontist might recommend gum graft surgery in such a situation. This procedure involves removing healthy tissues from other parts of your mouth and placing them over the receded gums. It reduces gum recession and covers up exposed roots, restoring the health and beauty of your smile.

• Implant Placement

If you’re missing teeth and considering dental implants, healthy gums and jawbone are essential. Your dentist can recommend surgery to rebuild and repair your gums, which allows for successful implant placement. Unhealthy gums and jawbones can increase the risk of implant failure.

• Gum Contouring

Your dentist can recommend gum contouring, a surgery to remove excessive gum tissue and reshape your teeth. It helps show off your smile. Contact us for gum contouring in Merrimack, NH.

When to See a Dentist

Do you think you need gum surgery? The only certain way to tell is to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. The dentist will examine your gums and teeth to determine whether you have gum disease or not.

For mild cases of gum disease, the dentist uses less invasive procedures such as improved dental hygiene and deep cleaning. If the condition has progressed to severe stages, your dentist might recommend surgery immediately.

The sooner the dentist diagnoses gum disease, the better. For this reason, if you’re experiencing swollen, painful, and bleeding gums, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. For more information about gum surgery, contact Yelena Popkova, DDS.