Periodontal/Gum Surgery in New York, NY

Surgery on the gums may be used for both cosmetic and restorative dental concerns. In most cases, it's done to help patients who have periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. This occurs when plaque and bacteria get trapped in the pockets of the gums. The buildup can begin to create toxins that can affect your gums and the rest of your mouth, including your teeth, jawbone, and ligaments. Depending on the extent of your condition, there are two common types of gum surgery performed at SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry for treating periodontal disease — gingival flap surgery and a gingivectomy. Another gum surgery we perform, gingivoplasty, is a cosmetic dental procedure that improves and reshapes your gums after gum disease has been treated. New York, NY periodontist Dr. Kevin Loshak performs all three gum surgeries to correct gum disease in advanced stages and improve the appearance of your smile.

The best candidate for surgery on the gums would be anyone diagnosed with advanced periodontitis (the late stage of gum disease) that can no longer be effectively treated without surgery. Generally, this means that the disease has begun to affect the roots of your teeth and may even be infecting your jawbone and muscles. You may be experiencing severely swollen and painful gums, loose teeth, or pus on your teeth and gums. Your gums might be overgrown (causing a "gummy" smile) or shrinking, causing too much enamel to show.

Prior to receiving treatment, Dr. Loshak will examine your teeth and gums to determine which gum surgery is the best match for your condition. Depending on the gum surgery selected, Dr. Loshak will talk to you about your sedation choices to help you stay comfortable during the surgery. Gingival flap surgery starts by making surgical cuts in the gums so they can be pulled away from the teeth. When the gum pockets and enamel are visible, a deep cleaning is performed before the gums are stitched closed. A gingivectomy cuts away excess gum tissue and then deep cleans the gum pockets and teeth. A gingivoplasty procedure will reshape and adjust your recessive gum tissue. In some cases, gum graft surgery may be performed as part of a gingivoplasty to make your gumline even.

Following your gum surgery, you may experience some pain or swelling of the gums. Dr. Loshak will discuss ways to manage your pain and help your gums heal at home. He may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication for you to take during your recovery period. As soon as your gums heal, it is important that you follow a proper oral hygiene routine to prevent future infections with daily brushing and flossing. Twice yearly cleanings at SmilesNY will help clean plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth and prevent gum disease from reoccurring. At your annual dental examination, your oral health will be evaluated to make sure your gums are healthy and the condition has been fully treated.

Gum surgery is usually seen as a medical necessity, which means a part of the cost will most likely be covered by dental insurance. Prior to your surgery, our financial coordinator will call your provider to calculate any out-of-pocket costs. To help make your surgery more affordable, SmilesNY accepts many payment methods, including low-interest medical financing. During your consultation, a member of our team can discuss costs and other financial information.

Does gum surgery hurt?

No, most patients don't find gum surgery uncomfortable. Before he begins, Dr. Loshak will completely numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. SmilesNY also offers sedation options to help keep you comfortable if pain is a concern. During recovery, you may experience mild soreness and swelling for 1 – 2 days, with the usual recovery time being about a week.

What types of issues can gum surgery fix?

Gum surgery can address periodontal disease for improved oral health, while other gum surgery procedures can improve the overall look of your gum line for a more beautiful smile. Cosmetic procedures can address an uneven gum line, gaps, and a low or high gum line.

How long is recovery after gum surgery?

Recovery time after gum surgery will depend on the complexity of your procedure, but most patients will recover within 1 – 2 weeks.

Gum disease is not only painful, it can create other problems like tooth loss, diabetes, and heart disease. Gum surgery at SmilesNY is usually a good treatment to correct severe gum disease and restore your smile. For more information, contact our office in New York, NY to schedule your appointment with board-certified periodontist Dr. Kevin Loshak.