If you have been dealing with cavities and dental decay for a while, there is a good chance that you have some degree of gum disease. It presents with varying levels of severity, eventually culminating in periodontal disease.  Although gum disease is a common problem and very treatable in its early stages, surgical intervention is often necessary for severe cases. Therefore, if your dentist has recommended periodontal surgery for your gum disease, you need to be aware of the information shared below.

Understanding Your Periodontal Disease

It will first be necessary to remember that if early gum disease develops and is not adequately treated in a timely manner, the inflammation to the gums will worsen. It starts as the result of the bacteria that is found on your teeth attaching to the gums and surrounding area.

Over time, that inflammation allows small pockets of space within the gums to form and the likelihood of infection increases. That infection can quickly spread to the roots of your teeth and in some instances, can even impact the underlying bone.

In addition to the obvious damage to your smile, you might experience pain when eating, drinking and perhaps even talking or coughing. Unfortunately, it might even make it harder for you to breathe, since recent research suggests that there is a link between gum disease and asthma. Therefore, it only makes sense that when less invasive procedures have failed or if the success of those options is doubtful, surgery is commonly recommended. One option you might benefit from is the Gingival Flap surgery.

The Gingival Flap Procedure

If the pockets in your gums are at least five millimeters deep, they can often be treated by surgically separating the affected gums from your teeth. At that time, it will be necessary to clean any tartar, bacteria, etc. from the area. If the bone has been damaged, the dental expert will need to even the bone out, as continuous surfaces without any rough edges present fewer opportunities for bacteria to return to.

If smoothing the bone is not sufficient and bone loss has occurred, a bone graft might be provided. In many instances, the previous x-rays and examinations will allow the dental surgeon to know the extent of the damage. When that happens, you may be able to graft bone from your own body to treat the issue and artificially created bone may also be an option.

Finally, when the pockets have been cleaned, and the bones are as healthy as they can be, each area will be stitched close. You will be educated as to the appropriate aftercare, including your options for pain management and asked to come back for a check-up.         l

In conclusion, periodontal disease affects many people in the United States. If you suffer from it and it has gone untreated for a significant period of time, periodontal surgery might be the only option to remedy your condition. As a result, when you need to have that surgery, the facts shared above will be quite useful.  Click for more information.