Gum Surgery

Avero Dental in Kitchener offers various gum surgeries for periodontal treatment and as a cosmetic dental option.

Gum Surgery Can Save Teeth

Gum surgeries can happen for different reasons, but many of the gum surgeries performed at Avero Dental in Kitchener, Ontario are to treat periodontitis, or advanced gum disease. Gum grafting is one way to treat receding gums and protect the tooth root, helping to prevent decay.

Gum grafts and pocket reduction surgery are two common procedures to manage receding gums and gum disease. In gum grafting, soft tissue is removed from elsewhere, such as the roof of the mouth, and attached to the gums to cover exposed tooth roots. With pocket reduction or flap surgery, the gums are lifted to clean out bacteria and infection, then repositioned.
Laser and pinhole gum surgeries have the advantage of being minimally invasive in gum disease treatment. With laser surgery, diseased gums can be removed without incisions, and the pinhole procedure treats gum recession without soft tissue grafting. Gums are repositioned through a small hole with no incisions.
Bone grafting is often done in combination with other gum surgeries to rebuild bone lost to gum disease.

Types of Gum Surgeries

Gum surgery treats issues beyond gum disease or receding gums. They can be used to address excessive gum tissue, bone loss, or cosmetic oral issues. There are eight types of gum surgery, and some have variations in procedure. Gum surgeries include:

Gum grafting
Periodontal flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery
Laser gum surgery
Pinhole gum surgery
Bone grafting
Crown lengthening
Cosmetic gum contouring
Frenectomy

Crown lengthening is more of a cosmetic procedure, although a dentist may recommend it to proceed with other dental work, such as installing a crown. This surgery involves removing and reshaping gum tissue to expose more tooth surface.
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure in which excessive or uneven gum tissue is reshaped to create a more pleasing smile.
A frenectomy is where the connective tissue, called the labial frenum, is cut. The labial frenum is between the upper lip and gum and also between the lower lip and gum. Cutting it allows for better spacing and can correct speech problems. Another connective tissue connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. If it is short or tight, it can cause speech issues known as being “tongue-tied.” An oral surgeon can also cut that tissue to improve speech and function.

Gum surgeries are not scary. They are another way we at Avero Dental care for you on your oral health care journey. Call us for more information about gum issues or schedule an appointment online to see if gum surgery is necessary for you.

FAQ

When is gum surgery considered?

Gum surgery is considered an advanced option for treating gum disease. It is also considered a cosmetic surgery option to reduce a “gummy” smile.

Is gum surgery painful?

Gum surgery involves some invasive techniques so that it can cause moderate pain.

Can receding gums be replaced?

Yes, gum grafting surgery takes soft tissue from elsewhere and adds it to your gums to cover tooth roots, effectively replacing receding gums.

Is gum surgery a permanent solution?

It depends on the case and the reason for the surgery. Gum disease requires ongoing treatment.

FAQs

When is gum surgery necessary?

When deep cleaning has not resolved infection, when pockets around the teeth are too deep to clean, or when gum recession needs to be corrected.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients are comfortable within a week. We give you aftercare instructions and see you for a follow up to check healing.

Will I be awake during gum surgery?

Yes, under local freezing. Sedation options are available if you would prefer to be more relaxed.

What can I eat afterward?

Soft foods for the first few days, and avoid anything very hot, spicy, or crunchy while the tissue heals.