Periodontal Surgery: What To Expect And How To Prepare In Dearborn

If you have been diagnosed with severe periodontal (gum) disease, your dentist in Dearborn may recommend periodontal surgery. This treatment involves cutting and lifting the gums to remove built-up bacteria and tartar deposits deep below the gumline and on tooth roots. If you are facing upcoming periodontal surgery, this guide will help you understand what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure so you can recover comfortably.

When Periodontal Surgery is Needed

Periodontal surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments cannot fully address gum infection and pocketing:

• Deep cleaning cannot fully access and disinfect roots within diseased gum pockets.
• Antibiotics cannot penetrate gum pockets to eliminate infection.
• Ongoing inflammation is causing additional bone and tissue loss.
• Pockets between teeth are so deep they risk tooth stability long-term.

Goals include removing bacteria, reducing pocket depth for Cleanability, and regrowing lost bone with grafts as needed.

Consultation and Planning

Preparing for periodontal surgery near you begins with an in-depth consultation:

• Medical history will be reviewed for conditions impacting healing like diabetes.
• An exam determines the full extent of disease and recommends the specific procedures needed.
• X-rays show the level of bone loss requiring grafting.
• Pre-treatment antibiotics may be prescribed to begin controlling infection.
• A personalized treatment plan will be mapped out step-by-step.

Understanding exactly what to expect and why surgery is required helps ease anxiety going into the procedure.

Just Before Surgery

Arriving prepared helps your surgery go smoothly:

• Take any prescribed antibiotics or medications as directed pre-surgery.
• Arrange for transportation to and from your procedure. You cannot drive afterwards.
• Stick to easy-to-chew foods beforehand - you may be sore post-surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can slip on and off easily.
• Have any prescription pain relievers ready for afterwards.
• Relax and stay positive! Remember the surgery will correct underlying issues and improve your oral health.

The Procedure

Here’s an overview of what transpires during periodontal surgery:

• Anesthetic is administered to fully numb the area for your comfort. This wears off a few hours later.
• The gum tissue is lifted and folded back to fully expose roots and remove deposits.
• Infected areas may be debrided and bacteria-laden tartar scraped away.
• Laser therapy may be used to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
• Grafting material is applied to regenerate lost bone as needed.
• The gums are sutured back into place once cleaning and grafting is complete.

While techniques vary, this provides a general sense of what the surgery entails. Communicate any discomfort immediately.

Recovery Afterwards

Allow 1-2 weeks for initial postsurgical recovery:

• Swelling, bruising, and moderate bleeding are normal initially after surgery. Keep gauze on site and replace as needed.
• Use ice packs on your face to reduce swelling. Keep your head elevated.
• Stick to a liquid, soft food diet. Avoid chewing near the surgery site until healed.
• Take any prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed.
• Avoid strenuous activity while healing. Rest as much as possible.
• Some temporary tooth sensitivity after surgery is normal. If severe pain, bleeding, or fever occurs, call your dentist.

Follow all of your Dearborn dentist’s postoperative instructions carefully to prevent infection and support healing. Schedule a follow-up to monitor your recovery.

Conclusion

If nonsurgical treatments cannot get advanced gum disease under control, periodontal surgery is the next line of defense to restore health. Though intensive, this surgery removes hidden infection and can save teeth. Knowing what to expect and taking steps to optimize healing allows for the most successful outcome. If surgery is recommended, work closely with your Dearborn periodontist to get your gums healthy again!

Address:- 4700 Greenfield Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126, United States