Periodontal disease often refers to bacterial plaque and infections around the gum and tooth root. It can happen around one or several teeth. In some cases, the gum tissue is damaged or shrinks. In its more advanced stages, surgery to create new gum tissue (and even bone growth) can be done. There are several techniques used to encourage new gum growth using donor tissue, man-made material, or tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth.
This surgery is needed to:
Not all grafts are successful over time. The level of disease and your personal care routines will affect success.
If you are planning to have periodontal surgery, your dentist will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
On the day of your surgery:
A local anesthetic will be used near the affected gum area.
Your dentist may recommend conscious sedation. You will be awake, but will have no anxiety during the surgery.
This surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting. You do not need to stay overnight. If you are undergoing sedation, the dentist or nurse will place an IV in your arm to deliver medicine. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored during and after the surgery.
The periodontist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic delivered through a needle. The periodontist will make a small cut in the roof of your mouth and remove surface and/or connective (under the surface) tissue. This is the donor tissue that will be used for the graft. This area will then be stitched closed.
The new tissue flap will be repositioned on the damaged gum line and stitched into place. A dressing will be applied. A piece of mesh is sometimes placed between the gum and tooth to encourage growth.
If there is not enough donor tissue available on you, tissue from another person or man-made materials may be used.
The time it takes to complete the surgery depends on the level of damage and how much of the gum areas are affected.
You may feel mild discomfort while the periodontist numbs the affected areas for surgery, but you will not feel pain during the surgery. Medicines can help control pain and anxiety before, during, and after the surgery.
Healing will take place over the next 4-8 weeks. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After arriving home, contact your dentist if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American
Academy of Periodontology
http://www.perio.org/
American Dental Association
http://ada.org/
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH)
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/. Accessed April 19, 2010.
Carson De-Witt R. Periodontal disease. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=1034. Published September 1, 2009. Accessed April 21, 2010.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed April 19, 2010.
Pre and postoperative instructions for periodontal surgery. Kathie L. Davis website. Available at: http://www.kldaviesperiodontist.com/images/WEB_PRE__AND_POST_OP_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf. Accessed April 19, 2010.
University of Maryland Medical Center. Periodontal disease. University of Maryland Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_procedures_treatment_of_periodontal_disease_000024_8.htm. Accessed April 19, 2010.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.