Dr. Becker has examined your periodontal condition and recommended surgery for you. From the many treatment options available, Dr. Becker will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and that will re-establish good periodontal health. This page answers questions that you may have about periodontal surgery. It complements the advice you have received from your dentist and Dr. Becker.

Dr. Becker has recommended surgery to correct or improve a periodontal condition that is affecting your oral health. The surgical technique that Dr. Becker chooses will depend on the type and severity of your disease and other oral conditions. Reasons why you may need periodontal surgery:

The main cause of periodontal diseases is plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed thoroughly, toxins, or poisons, produced by bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and destroy supporting tissues around the teeth, forming pockets. Eventually, the plaque hardens into a rough deposit called calculus, or tartar. Over time, as more plaque and tartar build up, the gums continue to recede from the teeth. Gum and bone attachment is lost and pockets deepen.
    You cannot predictably keep deep pockets clean and free of plaque just by brushing and flossing. The pockets may have become so deep that even your dentist or hygienist is unable to clean them adequately. Therefore, Dr. Becker may decide that you need surgery to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. He will reduce the pockets and position the gums to eliminate areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide.

If your periodontal disease goes untreated, destruction of gum and bone attachment to the teeth continues. As plaque moves down the roots of the teeth, infection ensues. The infection may cause more serious damage to the bone that supports the teeth. Your affected teeth can become loose and eventually you may lose them. Dr. Becker may recommend surgery to attempt to regenerate, or “regrow”, gum and bone tissue to save your natural teeth.

You may have a tooth that is decayed or broken below the gum line. Then, you will need periodontal surgery to adjust the gum level and expose more of the tooth so your dentist can repair the damage.

In certain instances, Dr. Becker can improve aesthetics by means of periodontal surgery. For example, he can use gum-grafting techniques to correct a “toothy” smile caused by receding or shrinking gums. Gum grafting also helps to prevent further recession of the gums. Likewise, Dr. Becker can do a periodontal surgical procedure to make teeth look longer in a patient with a “gummy” smile.

You should feel little or no discomfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Becker will give you an anesthetic to numb the surgical region. Many techniques are available for relieving your anxiety during surgery. Dr. Becker will speak to you about these options.
    After surgery, the surgical site will be tender or sore, or it may swell. Dr. Becker will probably prescribe a medication to relieve your postsurgical discomfort. He may also prescribe antibiotics or antibacterial rinses to protect you from infection. If you take your medications as directed and follow Dr. Becker's instructions,it will help to minimize any discomfort. And, like most of Dr. Becker's patients, you will likely resume your normal routine the day after surgery.

You should be able to speak normally after the anesthetic has worn off. It is important that you maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet after surgery. You may need to avoid chewing some foods in the surgical region for a few days.
     After some types of periodontal surgery, the teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold. This sensitivity usually diminishes greatly during the first few weeks after surgery.

Usually, you will need to return for postsurgical treatment in 5 to 10 days. At this time, it may be necessary for Dr. Becker or his staff to remove any stitches and cleanse the surgical site. You may need additional follow-up appointments to evaluate your healing response and review proper oral hygiene procedures.

In most instances, you will not need surgery in the same region again. However, in certain patients, re-treatment or additional surgery may be needed. As you have learned, you may be prone to periodontal diseases, which are chronic and require constant and careful attention. Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, periodontal disease has no cure. Periodontal surgery helps to control disease and prevent further destruction to the gums and bone, thereby minimizing tooth loss.

Periodontal diseases will recur if you do not follow a strict program of supportive periodontal care. You play the major role in preventing further episodes of periodontal disease by daily removing plaque by proper brushing, flossing and other cleaning methods that your dentist and Dr. Becker and his staff recommend for you.
     By safeguarding your periodontal health and retaining your natural teeth, you will be able to chew more comfortably and enjoy better digestion. Your natural teeth will keep you feeling good and looking good with a healthy smile. Your home regimen of oral care combined with regular visits to your dentist and Dr. Becker will give you an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for your lifetime.