Gum Surgery in St. Catharines, ON
Gum surgery is an outpatient, dental surgical procedure that aims at rebuilding gum tissue, usually after periodontal disease. Periodontitis, also gum disease or periodontal disease, is a severe infection of the gums triggered by an accumulation of plaque and tartar in the oral cavity.
Plaque is a sticky material that forms as a by-product of bacterial activity in the mouth. When left to accumulate, plaque has severe consequences, including cavities, gum disease and, eventually, tooth loss.
Here at Girardi Dental, we explore various conservative treatment options before recommending surgery. We’ll only suggest surgical procedures if it’s in your best interest.
When Is Gum Surgery Required?
You may be a qualified candidate for gum surgery in St. Catharines, ON if you have advanced periodontal disease that has significantly damaged your gum tissues. In this case, our dentists near you may recommend gum surgery to rebuild your tissues and prevent further infection.
Gum surgery may also be performed for cosmetic purposes. Usually, people with an excessive gingival display or gummy smiles opt for gum surgery to improve their smile aesthetics.
There are various types of gum surgery near you, including gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, gum graft and gum regeneration. While the techniques used in these surgeries vary, the overarching objectives are to rebuild damaged tissue and restore your oral well-being.
What to Expect from our Gum Care Dental Clinic
After a thorough assessment, our dentists in St. Catharines, ON, will determine the surgery best suited for you, considering the severity and location of tissue damage.
Gum disease patients typically undergo non-invasive first-line treatments, known as non-surgical periodontal therapy or scaling and root planing, before surgery is explored. These procedures are aimed at eliminating periodontal pockets and facilitating the tooth roots’ re-attachment.
On the day of your gum surgery, our dentists first clean your teeth thoroughly to remove all signs of plaque, tartar, food debris and harmful microflora. Next, the dentist administers appropriate anesthesia, after which the necessary surgery is performed.
After completing the surgery, the dentist issues you with after-care instructions to help you heal and recover. We’ll keep an eye on you over several weeks to monitor your progress.
If you have damaged gum tissue, you may need gum surgery near St. Catharines, ON, to restore your oral health. Reach out to Girardi Dental to speak to our dentists and find out the options available to you.
Gum Surgery FAQs
It is hard to tell if you need gum surgery without the assistance of a dentist, but there are several reasons why gum surgery may be necessary.
Gum disease is one of the primary causes of patients needing gum surgery. Advanced gum disease can cause erosion of the gums, exposing the teeth' roots and leaving them in danger of falling out. Gum erosion can also lead to bacteria, infection, and even bone loss in the jawbone.
The actual gum surgery procedure is not painful. Patients are given anesthesia to perform the gum restoration. Patients will feel some soreness and tenderness in the area of the surgery for up to a few weeks after the procedure, but this should gradually dissipate and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
If pain worsens or you notice new symptoms such as bleeding, swelling or pus, you need to see the dentist immediately as this is a sign of a complication such as an infection.
The length of the procedure will depend on the gum damage and how much needs to be repaired. A typical gum surgery takes around 2 hours and requires a patient to be put to sleep. This can take less time and only require local anesthesia if the area being treated is minor.
The average time for recovery from gum surgery is one to two weeks. This can be longer if the surgery is extensive or other underlying issues, such as gum disease, need treatment.
Always follow your dentist's instructions regarding recovery and follow-up care, and report any new symptoms to the dentist immediately.
A standard gum graft is priced per tooth and ranges from $600 to $1,200 per tooth. The price increases as more teeth are added. If other procedures are performed besides just a standard gum graft, such as root canals, tooth extractions or gum contouring, the price can go up by several hundred dollars per tooth.
Talk with the dentist to find out how much work will be necessary to restore your gums and what you can expect in terms of the final cost of the procedure.
