Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery refers to a series of surgical procedures designed to treat advanced periodontal disease, restore lost gum tissue, and address bone damage caused by infection or trauma. The goal of periodontal surgery is to correct damage caused by gum disease, regenerate lost tissue, and protect the teeth from further deterioration. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, particularly when gum recession or excess gum tissue is present.

At San Antonio Periodontics & Implants, Dr. Maller uses advanced techniques and technology to ensure the highest quality of care, making periodontal surgery as minimally invasive and effective as possible.

Why is Periodontal Surgery Necessary?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs when bacteria in the mouth cause an infection in the gums and underlying bone structures. If left untreated, this condition can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. For mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis), non-surgical treatments such as professional cleanings may be sufficient. However, in more advanced stages of periodontal disease, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Periodontal surgery may be recommended to:

• Treat severe periodontal disease when non-surgical treatments are ineffective.
• Restore lost bone and gum tissue due to advanced infection.
• Repair gum recession, where the gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth.
• Regenerate bone in areas where it has been lost or damaged due to infection.
• Address aesthetic concerns related to excessive gum tissue or uneven gum lines.
• Support the successful placement of dental implants. Contact us to learn more.

Types of Periodontal Surgery in San Antonio, TX

Periodontal surgery encompasses a variety of procedures, each designed to address specific issues related to gum health, bone regeneration, and cosmetic concerns. Dr. Maller uses the latest techniques to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment for their needs. Below are some of the most common types of periodontal surgery offered at San Antonio Periodontics & Implants:

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)

Flap surgery is one of the most commonly performed periodontal procedures. It is used to treat deep pockets of infection in the gums, which form when gum tissue separates from the teeth due to infection. The procedure involves making small incisions in the gums to lift them away from the teeth, allowing Dr. Maller to remove plaque, tartar, and infected tissue. After cleaning the affected area, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place.

Benefits of Flap Surgery:

• Reduces the depth of gum pockets.
• Eliminates bacteria and infected tissue.
• Promotes healing of the gums around the teeth.
• Helps in the regeneration of gum tissue and bone.

This procedure is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe gum disease where deep pockets have formed around the teeth.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is a type of surgery used to regenerate lost bone tissue, particularly in patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to advanced periodontal disease. During the procedure, bone material is placed in areas of the jaw where bone has been lost. This material can come from several sources: the patient’s own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic bone material (alloplast).

Bone grafting is often necessary for patients who are preparing for dental implants or have suffered bone loss due to infection. Dr. Maller uses cutting-edge technology to ensure that the graft integrates with the surrounding bone tissue, promoting natural regeneration and restoring the strength of the jawbone.

Benefits of Bone Grafting:

• Restores lost bone structure.
• Supports the successful placement of dental implants.
• Enhances the overall health of the gums and jawbone.
• Prevents further bone loss.

Soft Tissue Grafting (Gum Grafting)

Soft tissue grafting is performed when a patient has suffered gum recession, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of tooth decay. During this procedure, tissue from another area of the mouth (often the roof of the mouth) is transplanted to the areas of recession to restore the gumline. This procedure not only improves the aesthetics of the smile but also helps protect the tooth roots from exposure.

Soft tissue grafting can be particularly beneficial for patients with gum recession caused by periodontal disease or brushing too hard. The goal is to restore a healthy, natural-looking gumline, reducing the risk of further recession and improving the appearance of the smile.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Grafting:

• Restores gum tissue to protect tooth roots.
• Reduces tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession.
• Improves the appearance of the smile.
• Prevents further gum recession and periodontal damage.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a cosmetic periodontal procedure used to reshape the gums and expose more of the tooth structure, particularly when a patient has "gummy" smiles, or excessive gum tissue that covers the teeth. This procedure involves removing a small amount of gum tissue and sometimes bone to lengthen the crown of the tooth, enhancing both the aesthetic appearance of the smile and the functionality of the teeth.

Crown lengthening is often performed for patients preparing for restorative work, such as crowns or veneers, as it ensures that the tooth is fully exposed for a proper fit.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening:

• Improves the appearance of the smile by reducing excessive gum tissue.
• Provides better access for placing dental restorations, such as crowns or veneers.
• Improves the overall health and aesthetics of the gums.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars. This procedure is often performed when there is not enough bone to support dental implants due to the proximity of the maxillary sinuses. During the procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is added to increase the height of the bone in the area.

Benefits of Sinus Lift:

• Increases bone volume in the upper jaw to support dental implants.
• Improves the overall function and health of the upper jaw.
• Allows for the placement of implants when sinus issues prevent traditional placement.

Periodontal Plastic Surgery

Periodontal plastic surgery refers to various procedures designed to improve the appearance and function of the gums. These procedures are often used for cosmetic purposes or to address functional issues, such as a "gummy" smile or excessive gingival tissue. Procedures like gum reshaping and gingival augmentation are examples of periodontal plastic surgery.

Benefits of Periodontal Plastic Surgery:

• Enhances the aesthetic appearance of the gums and teeth.
• Improves gum health and function.
• Addresses cosmetic concerns, such as a gummy smile.

The Benefits of Periodontal Surgery in San Antonio, TX

Periodontal surgery offers numerous advantages for patients suffering from advanced gum disease or those seeking to restore or enhance their smile. Some of the primary benefits of periodontal surgery include:

• Restoration of Gum and Bone Health: Periodontal surgery can regenerate lost gum tissue and bone, promoting the overall health of the gums and preventing further deterioration.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: For patients with gum recession or excessive gum tissue, surgical procedures like soft tissue grafting and crown lengthening can significantly improve the appearance of the smile.
• Improved Functionality: Surgical procedures can help restore the functionality of the gums and teeth, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
• Preventing Tooth Loss: By treating gum disease and preventing further damage to the gums and bone, periodontal surgery can prevent tooth loss and support the successful placement of dental implants.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process after periodontal surgery will vary depending on the procedure performed and the extent of the surgery. Our periodontist in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Maller, and his team provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bleeding in the first few days following the procedure, but these symptoms should subside with proper care.

Post-surgery care may include:

• Pain management with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
• Following a soft-food diet for the first few days.
• Proper oral hygiene techniques to avoid irritating the surgical site.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures, if necessary.

Dr. Maller will closely monitor the healing process and ensure that any complications are addressed promptly.

Conclusion

At San Antonio Periodontics & Implants, Dr. Steven C. Maller and his team are dedicated to providing top-quality periodontal surgery to patients in need. Whether you're experiencing advanced periodontal disease or seeking cosmetic improvements, Dr. Maller's expertise in periodontal surgery ensures that you receive the most effective and comfortable treatment available.

If you are concerned about your gum health or believe you may require periodontal surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maller. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health and enhance your smile.

Take the first step toward optimal oral health and a confident smile. Contact Dr. Steven C. Maller, DDS, MS, at San Antonio Periodontics & Implants for expert care tailored to your needs. Call us at (210) 824-0111 or visit us at 4501 McCullough Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78212. Your healthiest smile starts here!