Gum Surgery/Laser Gum Surgery
FOCUS: Discover effective gum surgery solutions to treat gum disease and improve your oral health.
Gum disease is a progressive condition affecting the gums, bone, and other oral tissues.
Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and severe oral health complications. Treating gum disease promptly helps preserve oral health and prevents further issues.
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center, our periodontists offer a variety of advanced gum surgery options to effectively treat gum disease and support long-term oral health.
Why Gum Surgery is Necessary
Gum disease progresses in stages.
Surgical procedures may be recommended when early treatments are ineffective. Surgery can halt further damage and restore healthy gum tissue.
Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, causing red, swollen gums that may bleed. It’s often reversible with good oral care.
- Early periodontitis: Plaque hardens into tartar, creating small pockets around teeth, leading to mild bone loss. Early intervention can help prevent further damage.
- Moderate periodontitis: Deeper pockets form as gum recession worsens, causing moderate bone loss and potential tooth loosening.
- Advanced periodontitis: The most severe stage, with significant bone loss, deep gum pockets, and loose teeth. Surgery is often needed to save remaining teeth and restore gum health.
Signs You May Need Gum Surgery
Gum disease can progress without apparent symptoms, so regular dental check-ups are essential.
However, some signs may indicate the need for gum surgery:
- Deep periodontal pockets: Measured during a routine dental exam.
- Bone loss: Visible on X-rays or detected by your dentist.
- Swollen, bleeding gums: May indicate gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.
- Receding gums: A sign of moderate to severe gum disease.
Benefits of Gum Surgery
While surgery may sound intimidating, it can effectively treat gum disease and help restore oral health.
Some benefits of gum surgery include:
- Reduced risk of infection and further gum recession
- Restored gum health and function
- Improved aesthetics of the gum line
Key Takeaway
Gum disease is a severe oral condition that affects the gums and bone around your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. When non-surgical treatments fail, gum surgery becomes necessary to halt disease progression, restore gum health, and preserve your smile. Regular dental check-ups can detect early signs, preventing the need for extensive surgical intervention.
Gum Surgery Procedures
There are several gum surgery procedures available. The type recommended will depend on the stage and severity of gum disease and individual patient needs.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface and reduce pocket depth.
It is often used to treat early-stage gum disease or create more space between teeth for orthodontic treatment.
Recommended for: Patients with excess gum tissue or those needing targeted treatment for early periodontal disease.
The benefits of gingivectomy include:
- Improved oral health
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
Gingivectomy Recovery
The recovery time for a gingivectomy is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days.
Slight bleeding and discomfort may occur initially, but over-the-counter pain relievers can manage these symptoms.
Follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your periodontist to promote healing.
Gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty uses reshaping techniques to create a healthier, more natural-looking gum line. It’s commonly used for cosmetic improvements or after a gingivectomy.
Recommended for: Patients seeking improved gum aesthetics and contouring.
The benefits of gingivoplasty include:
- Improved cosmetic appearance
- Better gum line symmetry
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
Gingivoplasty Recovery
Recovery from gingivoplasty is relatively quick, typically within a week.
Patients may experience minor swelling and tenderness, which can be alleviated with prescribed medications or pain relievers.
Gentle brushing and rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash are advised to support the healing process. Most patients see improved gum aesthetics soon after recovery.
Gingival Flap Surgery
Gingival flap surgery involves making an incision to lift the gums away from the tooth, allowing for a deeper cleaning around the tooth roots.
An ultrasonic scaling device then removes tartar buildup and biofilm that have accumulated within the periodontal pockets.
Recommended for: Patients with advanced periodontal disease, where bacterial pockets require removal.
The benefits of gingival flap surgery include:
- Effective removal of bacteria
- Reduced pocket depth
- Improved gum health and stability
Gingival Flap Surgery Recovery
Recovery time for gingival flap surgery is generally one to two weeks.
Some discomfort, swelling, or mild bleeding can be expected initially, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days.
Your periodontist may recommend a soft diet and to stop smoking until the gums have healed.
It is important that you follow the aftercare instructions carefully.
Laser Gum Surgery
Laser gum treatment is a minimally invasive option that targets diseased gum tissue with precision.
We use the Biolase® diode laser for precise and effective gum disease treatment.
This advanced laser therapy is often used alongside scaling and root planing or when gum disease is in its early stages with shallower pockets.
Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is a minimally invasive technique that uses concentrated laser energy to eliminate bacteria in periodontal pockets.
The Biolase® laser precisely targets harmful bacteria, preserving healthy gum tissue and minimizing discomfort.
The benefits of laser gum treatment include:
- Minimally invasive with reduced discomfort
- Reduced inflammation
- Faster healing and recovery
- Less post-operative pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Preservation of healthy gum tissue
- Improved overall oral health
Laser Gum Surgery Recovery Time
Laser gum surgery offers a rapid recovery period, often just a few days, due to its minimally invasive nature.
Patients have less pain, swelling, and bleeding with this method than with traditional surgery.
The laser technique lowers the risk of complications, helping you return to normal activities quickly.
Comparison of Gum Surgery Procedures
| Procedure | Purpose | Invasiveness | Recovery Time | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivectomy | Remove diseased tissue | Low to moderate | 1 week | Excess tissue, early disease |
| Gingivoplasty | Reshape healthy gum tissue | Low | 1 week | Cosmetic improvement |
| Gingival Flap | Access deep gum pockets | Moderate to high | 1-2 weeks | Advanced periodontal disease |
| Laser Treatment | Target specific diseased areas | Minimally invasive | 3–5 days | Early to moderate gum disease |
Learn More
Check out our blog to learn more about these gum surgery treatments.
- Gingivoplasty: Shaping Your Perfect Smile
- Gingivectomy: What To Expect and Why It’s Vital for Your Gums
- Why Gingival Flap Surgery Might Be Right for You
- Your Guide to Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum Surgery Aftercare
After gum surgery, it’s important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Some general guidelines for recovery include:
- Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for the first few days
- Eat soft foods and avoid spicy, hard, or crunchy foods that may irritate the surgical site
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed by your periodontist
- Gently brush teeth and use a medicated mouthwash as recommended
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal outcomes
Why See a Periodontist for Laser Gum Surgery?
Seeing a periodontist for laser gum surgery means receiving specialized care focused on your long-term gum health.
Periodontists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating gum disease.
Here’s why a periodontist is the ideal choice for gum surgery:
- Expertise: Periodontists specialize in managing gum and bone conditions, offering a deep understanding of complex cases.
- Advanced skills: With specialized training in laser procedures, periodontists use laser technology with precision to treat gum disease effectively.
- Tailored treatment plans: They create a personalized plan for your unique gum health needs, maximizing the benefits of laser therapy.
- Minimally invasive techniques: Laser gum surgery by a periodontist preserves healthy tissue, shortens recovery time, and reduces the risk of complications.
- Lasting results: A periodontist provides comprehensive care and guidance to support long-term gum health and prevent future issues.
When you choose a periodontist to perform laser gum surgery, you can rest assured knowing you are in the hands of a qualified professional.
Schedule a Consultation
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics and Dental Implants, our periodontists have extensive experience in laser gum surgery and offer a full range of periodontal treatments.
Dr. Norouzinia, DDS, a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, brings specialized knowledge in pain management and healing.
Dr. Font, DDS, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, is known for her award-winning skills and dedication to top-quality periodontal care.
To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form.
FAQS About Gum Surgery
Gum surgery is used to treat various gum diseases and conditions. It aims to remove diseased or excess gum tissue and promote healthier gum tissue growth. Gum surgery can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of the gums.
Gum surgery can cause some mild discomfort, but it is generally well-tolerated. Your periodontist will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
The healing time for gum surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and individual healing rates. On average, it can take a few days to two weeks to fully heal after gum surgery.
Yes, gum surgery can be a beneficial and necessary treatment for various gum diseases and conditions. It can improve the health and appearance of your gums and overall oral health. Schedule a consultation to discuss the benefits and potential risks of gum surgery to determine if it is the best option for your specific needs.
