Gum Surgery in Arlington Heights, IL

Surgery on the gums may be used for either restorative or cosmetic dental concerns. Often it is performed to help patients who have periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. This happens when bacteria and plaque get trapped in the pockets under the gumline. This buildup may lead to infections, which may impact your gums and the rest of your mouth, including your teeth, jawbone, and ligaments. Based on how advanced your condition is, there's two types of gum surgery performed to treat periodontal disease — gingivectomy and gingival flap surgery. Another gum surgery we perform, gingivoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that improves and reshapes your gums following gum disease treatment. Springer/Orser Dentistry in Arlington Heights, IL offers these three surgical gum treatments to correct gum disease in advanced stages and improve your smile.

The best candidate for surgery on the gums is anyone diagnosed with advanced gum disease, which may not be effectively treated without surgery. Generally at this stage, the condition has started to reach the tooth roots and could also be infecting your jawbone and muscles. You might have visibly inflamed gums that are causing pain, pus on your teeth and gums, or loose teeth. Your gumline might be overgrown (causing a "gummy" smile), or shrinking so too much enamel is showing.

Before you receive treatment, our dental team will examine your teeth and gums to decide which procedure is the best match for your condition. Based on the surgery picked, we will explain your sedation choices that will help you stay calm throughout your surgery. Gingival flap surgery starts by making surgical cuts in the gums so they can be moved back from your teeth. When the gum pockets and enamel are visible, the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the incisions are stitched closed. A gingivectomy cuts away overgrown tissue and then deep scales the gum pockets and teeth. A gingivoplasty will reshape and adjust recessive gums. If needed, gum graft surgery may be included with your gum surgery to make your gums higher.

After your gum surgery, you might have pain or inflammation in the treated areas. We will discuss ways to manage your pain and speed up your recovery at home. We might also write you a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics to help during your recovery period. As soon as your gums heal, it's important that you follow a proper oral hygiene regimen to avoid future infections with regular flossing and brushing. Bi-annual cleanings can help remove tartar and plaque that build up on your enamel and stop gum disease from reoccurring. At your yearly dental examination, our team will examine your mouth to ensure your gums are healthy and the condition has been corrected fully.

Surgery on the gums is usually deemed medically necessary, so a part of the cost will probably be paid by dental insurance. Before your surgery, our office will call your insurance company to calculate any out-of-pocket costs. To make your surgery more affordable, our office takes several payment methods, including medical financing. In your consultation, we can discuss costs and provide you with more information on financing options.

An overgrown or receding gumline is not only painful, it can create other issues such as infections, heart disease, and diabetes. Surgery on the gums is usually a good treatment to correct advanced periodontal disease and improve your smile. For more information, contact our office in Arlington Heights, IL to plan your appointment.