What to Expect Before Your Gum Surgery
Our Tennessee periodontist performs numerous types of gum surgery. With modern techniques, they are all relatively painless procedures. When getting gum surgery in Tennessee, you can educate yourself so that the process goes smoothly for you.
The day of surgery, expect your visit to start similarly to your regularly scheduled dental visits. You will have your teeth and gums cleaned by the dental hygienist or doctor followed by a thorough examination. Your periodontist will discuss the surgical procedure prior to starting and answer any additional questions. Most often, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the treatment area and the patient will remain alert during the surgery. Light sedation is also an option in most offices for a more comfortable procedure.
If you have a certain health conditions, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a few days before gum surgery. If you have a recent surgery, an auto-immune disease, heart conditions, or other infection-prone condition, you will be at a higher risk for exposure to harmful bacteria during the procedure. Tobacco use also increases risk of infection and can increase healing time it is recommended that you refrain from chewing or smoking tobacco products prior to and post-surgery. Talk to your doctor about your health background, current medications and concerns prior to scheduling your gum surgery. Inform your doctor’s office if you develop a sinus infection or other illness between scheduling and
Three types of surgery are the most common; gingival flap surgery, gingivectomy and gum tissue grafts. In gingival flap surgery, the gums are folded back and the roots of the teeth are cleaned and any bone damage is repaired. In a gingivectomy, diseased or loosened gum tissue is removed and the gum line is re-shaped eliminating extra space between the teeth and gums. Gum tissue grafts are conducted when the gum line has receded and consists of grafting oral tissue onto the gum line. Talk to your doctor about the specific expectations and procedures of your specific surgery for more information.
If you have a certain health conditions, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a few days before gum surgery. If you have a recent surgery, an auto-immune disease, heart conditions, or other infection-prone condition, you will be at a higher risk for exposure to harmful bacteria during the procedure. Tobacco use also increases risk of infection and can increase healing time it is recommended that you refrain from chewing or smoking tobacco products prior to and post-surgery. Talk to your doctor about your health background, current medications and concerns prior to scheduling your gum surgery. Inform your doctor’s office if you develop a sinus infection or other illness.
Contact our Tennessee periodontist today if you’re struggling with questions or concerns before your gum surgery.