Gum Surgery

If you have gum disease and initial treatments like using an electric toothbrush or taking antibiotics don't work, consider gum surgery. At Impressive Dental Care in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Lea Planzos, DMD, MS, Penny Planzos, DMD, MS, and Thomas Planzos, DMD, provide gum surgery to teens and adults. Using a combination of advanced treatments and anesthesia is quick, effective, and pain-free. To make an appointment, call the office today or book online.

What is gum surgery?

Gum surgery uses special tools to prevent problems associated with gum disease. Depending on your needs, it can:

• Remove bacteria from beneath your gums
• Make it easier to clean your teeth
• Reshape the bones that support your teeth
• Reduce the risk of additional damage

Impressive Dental Care develops a custom surgery plan for each patient to ensure the best results.

Am I a candidate for gum surgery?

You might be a candidate for gum surgery if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Deep pockets between your gums and teeth
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Bad breath

As gum disease gets worse, you might also notice changes in your bite.

How do I prepare for gum surgery?

Before recommending gum surgery, your Impressive Dental Care provider reviews your dental records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an oral exam. They also order X-rays to see if the infection has damaged your jawbone or the bone that holds your upper teeth, the alveolar bone.

Let your provider know if you take prescription medication or supplements. Some drugs, like blood thinners, increase the risk of complications, so your dentist might ask you to stop taking them in the days before surgery. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking at least 24 hours before gum surgery.

Since gum surgery is done under an anesthetic, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.

What kinds of gum surgery are there?

Impressive Dental Care offers several kinds of gum surgery, including:

Flap surgery

Your dentist makes small incisions in your gums, lifts the tissue, and removes the tartar and bacteria beneath. They then suture your gums around the base of your teeth so that they reattach to the gums.

Bone grafting

If gum disease has damaged your jaw or alveolar bone, your provider could recommend a bone graft. Your dentist inserts a piece of natural or synthetic bone material into your jaw. Once placed, the graft encourages the production of healthy bone tissue.

Soft-tissue grafts

Impressive Dental Care might recommend a soft-tissue graft if you have large pockets between your teeth. Your provider removes a small piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over the receding gums.

To learn more about gum surgery, make an appointment today at Impressive Dental Care by calling the office or booking online.