Gum surgery:
Gum surgery is a type of oral surgery that involves removing, repairing, or reshaping gum tissue to improve the health of the gums and surrounding teeth. This type of surgery is typically performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease and other gum-related conditions.
Here are some common reasons why a person might need gum surgery:
Gum disease: If gum disease has caused the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged tissue and bacteria, and to reshape the gums to better fit around the teeth.
Receding gums: If the gums have receded and exposed the roots of the teeth, gum surgery may be performed to cover the exposed roots and protect them from further damage.
Crown lengthening: If a tooth is decayed or broken below the gumline, surgery may be performed to expose more of the tooth so that it can be restored.
Soft tissue grafts: If a person has lost gum tissue due to injury or periodontal disease, a gum tissue graft can be performed to restore the lost tissue and improve the appearance of the gums.
The specific type of gum surgery that a person needs will depend on their individual needs and the extent of their gum problems. The procedure itself is typically performed using local anesthesia, although sedation may also be used for more complex cases.