Gum Surgery in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Gum surgery is sometimes needed to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The procedure treats the gum disease and any damage it has caused by promoting the regrowth or regeneration of damaged bones and tissues.
Gum Surgery Information
Gum surgery is a type of dental surgery that prevents or corrects anatomical, developmental, traumatic, or plaque-induced defects in either the bone, gingiva, or alveolar mucosa. The objectives of the surgery includes the accessibility of necessary dental instruments to address the surface of tooth roots, the elimination of any inflammation, and plaque removal. Preventatively the surgery can create an oral environment for plaque control, periodontal diseases control, oral hygiene maintenance, maintain proper spacing, and also visual improvement for cosmetic reasons.
Daily brushing and flossing, along with consistent visits to PerioImplant Associates, will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. But your good oral hygiene is not only for your teeth, it also keeps your gums healthy. Regular oral exams give us the opportunity to detect gum disease at an early stage and treat it before it creates damage.
Some Causes for Gum Surgery
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can usually be treated quite easily at PerioImplant Associates. Periodontitis is an advanced level of gum disease that will lead to inflammation and damaged bone and tissue. Corrective treatment might now involve gum surgery. Gum surgery will facilitate the regrowth of damaged bones and tissues, prevent tooth loss, reduce the pockets between teeth and gums, and reshape your jawbone to eliminate bacterial growth.
Gum disease is the primary reason for gum surgery, but not the only one. You could be interested in cosmetic gum surgery, when your gums cover too much of your teeth, which is a condition called a gummy smile.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Different Types of Gum Surgery
The type of gum surgery you may need will depend on the severity of your gum disease and the specific damage it has caused, or the type of cosmetic results you may desire. The types of gum surgery include:
- Gum Graft- Tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth, or another source, and is sutured into place on either side of a tooth that is exposed from gum recession. This helps even out the gum line and reduces the sensitivity of the tooth.
- Gingival Flap Surgery- Your gums are pulled back from the teeth to allow for a deep cleaning, then are sutured back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping is sometimes added during the surgery.
- Gingivoplasty- Healthy gum tissue can be reshaped to be more visually appealing, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
- Gingivectomy- All excess and overgrown gum tissue is removed to improve the visual balance between your teeth and gums and to make it easier to keep your teeth clean.
- Gum Regeneration- Your gum tissue is folded back, and the bacteria is removed. We will insert bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to stimulate the gum tissues regeneration around the teeth.
Alternatives to Gum Surgery
For some gum conditions, we might be able to use an alternative treatment that will not require gum surgery. For receding gums, the tunnel technique for gum grafting uses a special instrument to release the gum tissue and move it to its proper position on the teeth. Once the gums are in their desired position, a donor material is used to stabilize the tissue and encourage the readaptation of the gum tissue to the teeth at a new level.
Another non-surgical gum treatment is using LANAP, the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, which can treat the pockets around the gum and teeth that collect bacteria. A laser will eliminate bacteria in the pockets and remove diseased tissue to help the collagen fibers of the gums reattach to the tooth, restoring the natural seal.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
Gum Surgery Aftercare
Following your gum surgery, you might only have mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Moderate swelling could occur. PerioImplant Associates will give you more specific information about how to manage any pain and swelling you may have.
The recovery time for your gum surgery will depend on the specific type of procedure, but most likely we will schedule a follow-up exam within two weeks. During your recovery period, you will be advised to use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and avoid infection. We might also prescribe a round of antibiotics.
For the first few days after surgery, you will be instructed to eat soft foods and avoid physical exercise. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the entire recovery process.
A Typical Gum Surgery Procedure
Before any type of gum surgery begins, PerioImplant Associates will thoroughly clean your teeth and then administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area. A dental sedation may be needed on an occasion. If you require a deep teeth cleaning below the surface of the gums, we will make small incisions along the gum line, and lift your gums away from the teeth to clean deeper and remove all plaque, tartar, or infected tissue. Finally, we will continue with the specific procedure you need, then suture your gums back in place.
Your Gum Surgery Treatment Costs
The cost of your gum surgery treatment will vary depending on your individual case and your personal treatment plan. We will also discuss with you the cost of your gum surgery treatment and each of your available payment options before we begin, so that we can make the best choice for your treatment.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary objective, and that is to serve you to the best of our ability. It is natural for you to be slightly apprehensive or anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding that, we always take our time in explaining the health benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for you. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are continuously trained to address any and all issues and concerns. We will focus on the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a restorative gum surgery procedure for you. Everyone in the office will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.