Commack Periodontal Surgery and Gum Enhancement
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy, sometimes called gum reduction surgery, is a safe and predictable procedure for removing excess gum tissue from the front surface of the teeth.
Why is gingivectomy necessary? When gums extend too far onto the front surface of the teeth, the natural balance between the length of the teeth and height of the gums is lost. This can make the teeth appear too short. With a gingivectomy, we can return your gums to a more healthy and attractive condition. A gingivectomy might also be necessary to remove diseased tissue.
The Procedure:
The first step in a gum reduction procedure is making sure that all of the involved areas are completely numb. We then carefully make a small incision and remove the excess gum tissue.
The Results:
After a couple of weeks, the area will be completely healed and it will look much more natural, with the gums tight against the necks of the teeth.
Flap Surgery
Periodontal flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, is necessary when your gums still have pockets and infection even after we’ve completed a scaling and root planning procedure. Having gum pocket makes it much more difficult to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, so it’s important to reduce the pockets.
Why is flap surgery necessary?
Flap surgery removes plaque, which is the sticky film of food, and bacteria that form on your teeth, and tartar, which is hardened and mineralized plaque. The bacteria in plaque and tartar are the source of the infection. Flap surgery also reduces the size of the gum pockets and helps the gum tissue heal and reattach to the bone, making it easier for you to keep the area plaque-free. If plaque, bacteria, and infection are not removed, the infection will result in the loss of the bone and connective fibers that hold your teeth firmly into lace.
The Procedure
:
To begin the procedure, we first make sure all the areas are completely numb. Then we gently separate the gums from the tooth. This creates a flap and gives us access to the infected areas. Next, we remove any plaque and tartar from the rot surfaces, smooth irregular surfaces on the bone, and reshape the gum line. When the procedure is complete, we’ll gently close the flap. Any soreness after surgery can usually be handled well by mild pain medication.
The Results:
As the gm tissue heals, it tightens more closely around the tooth, and pockets are eliminated. This makes it easier for you to keep your teeth plaque-free.
Periodontal flap surgery is an effective method for treating deep-seated periodontal disease and raising your overall level of health.
Gingival Grafting:
Gingival grafting, also called soft tissue grafting allows us to correct gums that have pulled away from the tooth and exposed the root surface. The gums may have receded because of periodontal disease or improper brushing techniques. Once the cause has been identified and controlled, gingival grafting can repair the loss of gum tissue and restore a healthy-looking smile.
Why is gingival grafting necessary?
When gums don’t completely cover the root surfaces, the apparent lengthening of the teeth can age a person’s smile. If let uncorrected, the loss of protective gum tissue can also make the tooth root more susceptible to decay and painful sensitivity. With grafting, we can return the gums to a healthier and attractive state, with gums snug against the teeth and the roots covered.
The Procedure:
The first step in placing a graft is to thoroughly numb the involved areas. Then the graft is taken from the donor site, often from the palate. In some cases, the incision heals on its own. In other cases, it’s closed with a stitch or two. At the site of the graft, we gently separate the gums from the tooth. This creates a flap and gives us access to the area. Next, we remove any plaque and tartar from the root surfaces, and then the graft is carefully positioned and stitched in place.
The Result:
After healing for a few weeks, the grafted tissue blends in beautifully. Gingival grafting restores and strengthens the gums, covers and protects the root surfaces, and gives the tooth a much more natural and pleasing appearance.
Crown Lengthening
A crown is an excellent way to cover and protect a tooth that has fractured or been damaged by decay or injury. Sometimes, however, the damage is so extensive that there simply isn’t enough tooth structure to support a crown. In these cases, we can often use a minor surgical procedure called crown lengthening. This procedure increases the amount of available tooth structure so that the tooth can support a crown, which is the best choice for covering and protecting the tooth.
The Procedure:
The first step in crown lengthening is to thoroughly numb the entire area. Incisions are made in the gums around the tooth, and then the gums are gently pulled back. Next, the bone and gum tissue are reshaped to reveal just enough of the natural tooth to create a secure anchor for a crown. The gums are replaced, and a couple of stitches are placed to speed healing. In some cases, we may also build up the tooth using a post and buildup material. After a few weeks of healing, a crown is placed to cover and protect the damaged tooth. The crown restores your damaged tooth to normal health, appearance, and chewing function. Crown lengthening is a predictable and effective way to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.