Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal Surgery in Renton, WA
Periodontal surgery becomes necessary when gum disease progresses beyond the point where non-surgical treatments alone can effectively restore gum and bone health. Advanced periodontitis can cause significant tissue destruction, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss without proper surgical intervention to halt the disease process and regenerate lost structures.
At Evergreen Dental Care, we recognize that the prospect of gum surgery can feel intimidating, but modern periodontal procedures are more comfortable and predictable than ever before. Dr. Bartolo Espana employs the latest surgical techniques and regenerative therapies to restore your gums to optimal health while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
Periodontal Surgery
When Conservative Treatment Is Not Enough
Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, successfully treats many cases of gum disease. However, when pockets between teeth and gums remain deeper than 5-6 millimeters after initial treatment, surgery may be necessary to access and clean areas that instruments cannot reach.
Persistent bleeding, continued bone loss, or recurring infections despite good oral hygiene and regular maintenance indicate that surgical intervention may be the most effective way to preserve your teeth and restore gum health. Early surgical treatment often yields better results than waiting until the condition becomes more severe.
Advanced periodontal disease can affect your overall health, with research linking untreated gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. Surgical treatment helps eliminate the bacterial infection that contributes to these health risks while preserving your natural teeth.
Periodontal Surgery
Types of Periodontal Surgery Available
Several surgical approaches address different aspects of periodontal disease, and the best option depends on the specific pattern and severity of tissue and bone loss in your mouth. Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, involves lifting the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from root surfaces that cannot be reached through conventional cleaning.
Regenerative procedures use bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage the regrowth of bone and connective tissue destroyed by periodontal disease. These treatments can help restore some of the support lost around affected teeth, improving their long-term prognosis significantly.
Crown Lengthening and Cosmetic Procedures
Crown lengthening surgery removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface, often necessary before placing crowns or other restorations. This procedure can also address a “gummy smile” appearance where too much gum tissue shows when smiling.
Soft tissue grafts help cover exposed root surfaces caused by gum recession, reducing sensitivity and improving appearance while protecting roots from decay. These procedures use tissue from your palate or donor sources to rebuild lost gum tissue around affected teeth.
Advanced Surgical Techniques and Technology
Modern periodontal surgery incorporates several technological advances that improve outcomes while reducing patient discomfort and healing time. Laser therapy can remove infected tissue and bacteria while promoting healing and reducing bleeding during and after surgery.
Microsurgical techniques allow for more precise tissue manipulation and suturing, resulting in better healing and more predictable outcomes. Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your body’s own healing factors to accelerate recovery and enhance regeneration of lost periodontal structures.
Computer-guided surgery helps plan procedures more precisely and may reduce the invasiveness of certain treatments. These technological advances make periodontal surgery more comfortable and successful than traditional approaches while preserving maximum healthy tissue.
Periodontal Surgery
Recovery and Post-Surgical Care
Post-surgical care plays a crucial role in treatment success and your comfort during healing. Most patients experience manageable discomfort that responds well to over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications as directed by our team.
Following specific post-operative instructions regarding diet, oral hygiene, and activity restrictions helps ensure proper healing and optimal results. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though complete healing may take several weeks depending on the procedure performed.
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene as instructed by your surgical team
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy items initially
- Apply ice packs as directed to minimize swelling and discomfort
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed for optimal healing
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use, which significantly impairs healing
Regular maintenance cleanings after healing help preserve surgical results and prevent disease recurrence.
Long-Term Success and Maintenance
Periodontal surgery success depends greatly on your commitment to excellent oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance following treatment. Most patients who follow recommended care protocols maintain their surgical results for many years, preserving their natural teeth and gum health.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance typically involves more frequent professional cleanings than standard preventive care, usually every 3-4 months. These appointments help remove plaque and bacteria before they can cause problems in treated areas.
Restore Your Gum Health with Expert Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery represents an investment in your long-term oral and overall health, offering the opportunity to halt destructive gum disease and preserve your natural teeth for years to come. While the prospect of surgery may seem daunting, modern techniques make the experience more comfortable and predictable than ever before.
Dr. Bartolo Espana’s surgical training and experience with complex periodontal cases ensure you receive the most advanced care available for your specific needs. We combine proven surgical techniques with compassionate patient care to help you achieve optimal gum health and maintain your smile for life. Take control of your gum health with expert periodontal surgery at Evergreen Dental Care. Contact us at 425-264-4400 or request your consultation online to learn how surgical treatment can restore your oral health and preserve your natural smile.
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