Gum Surgery Cromwell, CT

Gum surgery is performed for both cosmetic and restorative dental problems. Most often, it's used as a treatment for patients in an advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis). This occurs when plaque and bacteria accumulate in the gum pockets and create deposits of tartar. The buildup can begin to create toxins that can affect not only your gums but also your teeth, jawbone, and ligaments. Depending on the extent of your condition, there are two common types of gum surgery performed at Preferred Dental of Cromwell for treating gum disease — gingival flap surgery and gingivectomy. Gingivoplasty is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes and improves your gums after gum disease has been treated. Our experienced dentists in Cromwell, CT perform all three gum surgeries, depending on your unique needs to eradicate advanced gum disease and to help restore the appearance of your smile.

An ideal candidate for gum surgery is typically someone who is in an advanced stage of gum disease and can no longer be treated with a nonsurgical option. Typically, this means that the disease has begun to affect the roots of your teeth and may even be infecting the jawbone and ligaments in your mouth. You may be experiencing severely swollen and painful gums, loose teeth, or pus coming from your teeth and gums. Patients who could qualify for this procedure may also have gums that are overgrown and cover too much of their teeth, creating a "gummy" smile. Patients with gum recession and visible tooth roots could also benefit from periodontal surgery.

Before receiving treatment, one of our dentists will evaluate your mouth to determine which gum surgery will be best for your unique situation. Once your treatment has been selected and planned, we will go over your anesthesia and sedation options to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Gingival flap surgery involves creating incisions in the gum tissue and pulling this tissue away from the teeth. Once the enamel and gum pockets are exposed, a deep cleaning is performed, and the gums are then delicately closed with stitches. A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue, which is then followed by a full cleaning of the teeth and gum pockets. Meanwhile, a gingivoplasty procedure is performed to reshape and reposition your recessive gum tissue. In some cases, a gum graft may be performed as part of a gingivoplasty to make your gumline more even. Prior to your treatment, our dentist will let you know what all you can expect and how long the surgery may take.

Following gum surgery, you may experience some pain or swelling in the gums. We will talk to you about pain management and go over the best ways to help your gums heal at home. Our dentists may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication for you to take after your surgery to prevent any infection from spreading and to help you manage your pain. Once your gums have healed, it's important that you continue to maintain a proper and effective oral hygiene routine to prevent further infection with daily brushing and flossing. Twice-yearly professional cleanings at Preferred Dental of Cromwell will help remove plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth and prevent a reoccurrence of gum disease. During your annual dental exam, we will assess your oral health to make sure your gums have properly healed and your gum disease has been fully treated.

When gum surgery is seen as a necessity to restore your oral health, most of the costs should be covered by your insurance provider. Before your treatment, a member of our team will contact your carrier and file a claim on your behalf. If you have any out-of-pocket costs, or if you do not have dental insurance, we can provide you with information about medical financing. We also accept a range of direct payments. If you have any questions about the insurances we accept, contact our Cromwell, CT office.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that only gets worse if left untreated. It can also affect not just your oral health but your overall health as well, leading to issues like diabetes and even heart disease. For patients in an advanced stage of gum disease with fewer options, gum surgery may be the solution you need to restore your dental and general wellness. If you have noticed some abnormalities with your teeth, gums, or jaw and would like to receive only the best treatment, contact Preferred Dental of Cromwell and schedule an appointment with one of our leading dentists.