What is periodontal surgery?
There are several procedures that have been gathered under the title of “periodontal surgery.” These include: • Crown Lengthening surgery: This is a procedure performed to increase the amount of tooth structure available above the gumline for restorative procedures. Generally, a small incision is made to expose the bone supporting the tooth and a small amount of this bone is removed. A definitive restoration may now be placed on the tooth. • Gingivectomy: Excess gum tissue is surgically removed to reduce the depth of the periodontal pocket. This surgery is only an option when the gum disease does not involve destruction of the bone around the tooth. • “Flap Surgery”: This is the procedure most commonly associated with gum surgery. It is used in instances when there has been significant bone destruction, or persistent pocketing that is resistant to treatment. The gum tissue is “flapped” away from the teeth and gums, allowing the dentist to surgically recontour the bone, reducing pocket
There are several procedures that have been gathered under the title of “periodontal surgery.” These include: • Crown Lengthening surgery: This is a procedure performed to increase the amount of tooth structure available above the gum line for restorative procedures. Generally, a small incision is made to expose the bone supporting the tooth and a small amount of this bone is removed. A definitive restoration may now be placed on the tooth. • Gingivectomy: Excess gum tissue is surgically removed to reduce the depth of the periodontal pocket. This surgery is only an option when the gum disease does not involve destruction of the bone around the tooth. • “Flap Surgery”: This is the procedure most commonly associated with gum surgery. It is used in instances when there has been significant bone destruction, or persistent pocketing that is resistant to treatment. The gum tissue is “flapped” away from the teeth and gums, allowing the dentist to surgically recontour the bone, reducing pocket
