Gum Surgery/Laser Gum Surgery
Treat advanced gum disease and other periodontal concerns with personalized surgical care. Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center offers surgical periodontal treatments and non-surgical diode laser therapy to help patients throughout Highlands Ranch and surrounding communities maintain healthier gums.
When Is Gum Surgery Needed?
Gum surgery may be recommended when bacteria and inflammation have damaged the tissues supporting your teeth or when changes to the gum tissue affect your oral health or smile.
Common reasons for gum surgery include:
- Moderate to advanced gum disease
- Deep periodontal pockets that cannot be adequately cleaned with non-surgical treatment
- Receding gums exposing the tooth roots
- Bone loss caused by periodontal disease
- Excess gum tissue affecting oral health or appearance
- Uneven gum contours requiring reshaping
During your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation to determine whether gum surgery is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Types of Gum Surgery
The type of surgery recommended depends on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes diseased or excess gum tissue to reduce periodontal pocket depth and create a healthier environment around the teeth. It may also be performed to improve access for oral hygiene or enhance the appearance of the smile.
Gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty reshapes healthy gum tissue to create a more natural, symmetrical gum line. It is often performed following a gingivectomy or as a cosmetic procedure when uneven gum contours are present.
Periodontal Flap Surgery
Flap surgery involves gently lifting the gum tissue to access deep areas beneath the gums where bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue have accumulated. The roots are thoroughly cleaned before the gums are repositioned to reduce pocket depth and promote healing.
Gum Grafting
Gum grafting restores gum tissue that has receded due to periodontal disease or other causes. Covering exposed tooth roots helps reduce sensitivity, protects against further recession, and improves the appearance of the gum line.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening removes or reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. It may be recommended to prepare a tooth for a dental restoration or to improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Laser Gum Surgery
Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to target diseased tissue and reduce bacteria while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center, we use the Biolase® diode laser for selected periodontal procedures. Laser therapy is commonly used alongside scaling and root planing or to treat early to moderate periodontal disease with shallower pockets.
Laser bacterial reduction (LBR) uses concentrated laser energy to reduce harmful bacteria within periodontal pockets while minimizing disruption to surrounding healthy tissue.
Benefits of laser-assisted periodontal treatment may include:
- Less discomfort during recovery
- Reduced swelling and bleeding
- Faster healing
- Lower risk of infection
- Preservation of healthy gum tissue
- Improved periodontal health
Not every patient is a candidate for laser treatment. During your consultation, we will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Recovery After Gum Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed, but most patients experience mild to moderate soreness, swelling, or tenderness during the first few days.
Your periodontist will provide detailed post-operative instructions to promote comfortable healing. Recovery recommendations often include:
- Eating soft foods for several days
- Avoiding strenuous physical activity during the initial healing period
- Taking prescribed or recommended medications as directed
- Brushing carefully around the treatment area
- Using any prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Attending follow-up visits to monitor healing
Patients who undergo laser-assisted treatment often experience less swelling, bleeding, and discomfort than with traditional surgical techniques.
The Specialist Behind Your Care
Dr. Bahman (Mike) Norouzinia
Dr. Bahman (Mike) Norouzinia is a board-certified periodontist with advanced training in dental implants, periodontal surgery, and regenerative procedures. In addition to providing specialty care, he is actively involved in continuing education and professional training focused on periodontics and implantology.
Schedule a Consultation
Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center provides advanced gum surgery with a focus on personalized care, precision, and long-term periodontal health.
Whether you need treatment for advanced gum disease, gum recession, or another periodontal condition, Dr. Norouzinia will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and long-term oral health goals.
FAQs About Gum Surgery
Is gum surgery painful?
Gum surgery is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Mild soreness and swelling afterward are normal and can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
How long does it take to recover from gum surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed. Many patients return to normal activities within one week, although complete healing may take several weeks. Your periodontist will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your treatment.
Is laser gum surgery better than traditional gum surgery?
Laser gum surgery can provide benefits such as reduced bleeding, swelling, and faster healing for appropriate cases. However, traditional periodontal surgery remains the best option for many conditions.
Do gums grow back after surgery?
No. Gum tissue that is intentionally removed during gum surgery does not typically grow back. Instead, the remaining gum tissue heals into its new shape as part of the normal healing process.
Where can I go for gum surgery in Highlands Ranch, CO?
Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center provides comprehensive gum surgery, laser periodontal treatment, gum grafting, and other advanced periodontal procedures for patients throughout Highlands Ranch and surrounding communities.
