When is Periodontal Surgery an Option?

For patients suffering from periodontal disease, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing is usually the first step in their treatment. Although if the gums have receded past 5 to 6 millimeters, scaling and root planing may no longer be an effective procedure. The bacteria that have encased the root of the tooth may need to be removed through periodontal surgery at this point.

With periodontal surgery, our dentist in West Hollywood will need to make a small incision into the gums in order to fold them back in such a way that the tooth root surface becomes visible. The bacteria at the root of the tooth are then removed to prevent further damage. If damage has already occurred, our dentist may then need to perform a bone or tissue graft to repair it. Sutures are used to close the gums back up. While periodontal surgery does not cure periodontal disease, it does prevent further damage from happening to the teeth and gums. Meticulous aftercare is needed after the surgery to prevent bacteria from re-forming on the root of the tooth.

If you are wondering whether periodontal surgery is the right option for you, contact our expert in periodontal surgery in West Hollywood to set up a consultation.