Gum Surgery in Delhi, India

Periodontal treatment or therapy involves procedures to improve gum health. Gum surgery is a dental procedure that involves the surgical treatment of the gums. This procedure usually treats various dental problems, such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. Gum surgery aims to remove or reshape the gum tissue to improve dental health and the overall appearance of the gums and teeth.

Procedure type:

Surgical procedure

Alternate names:

Periodontal surgery, gingival surgery.

Speciality:

Dentistry

Associated anatomy:

The gums

What Conditions can Gum Surgery Treat?

• Gum surgery primarily treats gum diseases, like periodontitis and gingivitis.
• It can also correct various cosmetic dental issues,like gummy smile, where the gums are more visible than the teeth.

What are the Types of Gum Surgery?

Different types of gum surgery are:

• Gingivectomy: This involves removing excess gum tissue to treat gum disease or create a more balanced gum line.
• Flap surgery: This involves lifting the gum tissue and removing tartar and plaque buildup to restore the gums' health.
• Crown lengthening: This involves exposing more of the tooth's surface by removing gum tissue and sometimes bone to support restorative dental work.
• Gum grafting: This involves replacing the missing or damaged gum tissue in one area by taking gum tissue from another area.

Who is a Candidate for Gum Surgery?

A patient may be a candidate for gum surgery if they have:

• Advanced gum disease
• Severe gum recession
• Other dental problems that cannot be treated with non-surgical methods. 

After a thorough evaluation, a dental professional can determine if gum surgery is the best course of action for a patient.

Preparation for Gum Surgery

• Before the procedure, the dental professional will perform a thorough dental examination, including X-rays and a medical history review. 
• The patient may be asked to start or stop taking certain medications before the surgery.
• Patients may also be instructed to eat a light meal before the procedure and should arrange for someone to drive them home afterwards.

How is the for Gum Surgery Performed?

• The gum surgery procedure varies depending on the type of surgery being performed. 
• The dental professional first administers the appropriate anaesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. 
• Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the dental professional will perform the surgery, which may involve removing gum tissue, reshaping the gums, or repairing damaged gum tissue.

Risks Associated with Gum Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, gum surgery carries some risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Complications from anaesthesia
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Sensitivity after the procedure.

Recovery after Gum Surgery

• Recovery time varies depending on the type of gum surgery and the patient's overall health. 
• After the procedure, most patients experience discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity, which can be managed with ice packs and pain medication. 
• A few days after the surgery, patients are advised to follow a soft food diet and avoid strenuous physical activity. 
• Patients should also practise good oral hygiene to prevent infections and promote healing. 
• To monitor the healing process and ensure the procedure's success, follow-up appointments with the dental professional are scheduled.

FAQs

Is gum surgery painful?

Gum surgery may cause some discomfort and mild pain, which can be managed with ice packs and  pain medication. The dental professional will administer anaesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure.

Is gum surgery necessary?

Gum surgery is necessary when non-surgical methods, such as scaling and root planing or antibiotics, are ineffective in treating gum disease. It may also be necessary to correct cosmetic dental issues or restore damaged gum tissue. Gum surgery is essential for the stability of teeth and good heart health.

What is the cost of gum surgery?

The cost of gum surgery varies depending on the severity of the dental problem, the type of surgery and the dental professional's location.

Can gums grow back?

Gums can regrow to some extent, but the amount of growth depends on the severity of the gum recession and the effectiveness of the treatment. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that restores lost gum tissue.

Can a dentist fix receding gums?

A dentist can fix receding gums through scaling and root planing, gum grafting, or flap surgery. The suitable option depends on the severity of the gum recession.

Can gums be repaired?

Gums can be repaired through various treatments, depending on the severity of the problem, including scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and flap surgery.

Is periodontal disease reversible?

The early stages of periodontal disease, like gingivitis, are reversible with proper treatment, such as scaling and root planing, good oral hygiene, gum massage and in some cases, oil pulling. However, advanced stages of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis, are not reversible and require ongoing treatment to manage the condition.

Review

Reviewed by Dr Nidhi Kohli, Senior Consultant - Dental Care, Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics on 17 May 2024.