Five Typical Causes of Gum Surgery

Five Typical Causes of Gum Surgery

January 1, 2023

The gum tissues help support your teeth and provide a barrier against bacteria. If they are infected or damaged, you will have several issues with your teeth, jawbone, and smile. Various treatments are performed to repair the health and appearance of your gums, including gum surgery.

Read on to learn the causes of gum surgery in St. Catharines, ON.

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What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by ineffective dental hygiene. After eating, some food particles are left in the mouth. The bacteria in the mouth break the carbohydrates in the food debris into acids. Consequently, the acids and bacteria combine to produce a sticky film known as plaque.

The plaque is removed through brushing and flossing daily. However, the plaque will accumulate to form tartar if you neglect good oral hygiene. This substance covers the surface of the tooth and the gum line leading to inflammation. Tartar cannot be removed easily. You will need to visit the dentist for a professional dental cleaning.

Anyone can get gum disease, including young kids. However, some people have high risks of the disease. Patients prone to gum disease smoke or use medications that cause a dry mouth. Others have diabetes, hormonal changes, illnesses like AIDS, and oral cancer.

Types of Gum Infections

  1. Gingivitis

If you neglect your oral hygiene, plaque accumulates and spreads to the gum line. The bacteria cause gum inflammation, and your gums swell and bleed easily. Other symptoms of gingivitis are bad breath, red gums, and mild pain or discomfort.

  1. Periodontitis

If you do not seek treatment for gingivitis, the inflammation spreads deeper into the gums. As a result, small spaces called periodontal pockets form between your teeth and the gum tissues. As a result, the infection gets into the tissues and bones that support your teeth. This type of gum disease is called periodontitis.

You will have symptoms like chronic bad breath, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. In addition, you will have pus under your gums and a bad taste in your mouth. After a while, the disease will cause your gums to become loose or fall out. Also, your jawbone will be absorbed into the body.

  1. Necrotizing periodontal disease

This is a type of gum disease that occurs suddenly. It affects patients suffering from systemic diseases, malnutrition, and immunosuppression. Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis has symptoms such as halitosis, swelling, and swallowing difficulties. The patient will also have painful ulcers that bleed easily and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Causes of Gum Surgery

When your gums become infected or damaged, it is crucial to seek treatment. One of the treatments performed to reinstate the health of your gums is gum surgery. Below are some common reasons the dentist would recommend gum surgery in St. Catharines, ON.

  1. Gum recession

Gum disease leads to gum recession, exposing your gums near the tooth roots. This affects your smile and leads to tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting is surgery to restore the receded part of the gum. Your dentist will remove gum tissue from your palate and cover the exposed tooth roots.

  1. Gummy smile

Some people have excess gum tissue that covers a larger part of their teeth than normal. As a result, they have a gummy smile. Gum surgery can be done to reduce the gingival tissue so that more of your teeth show. This surgery is known as gum reshaping or gum contouring. It can be accompanied by a procedure known as crown lengthening to achieve a perfect smile.

  1. Gum disease

Gum surgery can be performed to treat periodontal disease. Periodontal disease forms pockets between your teeth and gums. They harbor bacteria and plaque, causing further damage to the teeth and jaw bone. The dentist will perform a gingivectomy and gingival flap surgery to restore your gum’s health.

  1. A decayed or broken tooth beneath the gumline

You may need gum surgery if you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed beneath the gum line. First, the dentist will cut into your gums to access the affected tooth. Then, they will perform the necessary treatment.

  1. Guided tissue regeneration

This is surgery to help stimulate tissue and bone growth. It helps to regenerate bone that may have been lost because of gum disease.

Contact our dentist at Girardi Dental for gum disease prevention, treatment, or management.

Our dental office in St. Catharines, ON also welcome patients from the below-mentioned nearby areas:

  • Port Dalhousie
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Beamsville
  • Lincoln
  • Port Weller
  • Lakeport
  • Grantham
  • Haig
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