Periodontal Oral or Gum Surgery Birmingham, AL
What is Periodontal Gum or Oral Surgery?
Dr. Maddux specializes in Periodontal surgery to achieve functionality and form to damaged tissues affected by gum disease. This can include gums and bones, and ligaments which hold teeth in their sockets.
What Damage Is Caused by Periodontal Disease?
Usually, healthy gum tissue fits snugly around your teeth, but periodontal disease destroys the attachment between the gum and your teeth, creating a space or periodontal pocket, the depth of which is measured in millimeters.
When you have an initial periodontal evaluation at Alabama Periodontics, Dr. Maddux uses special instruments to probe the depth of the periodontal pocket in between your tooth and gum. When periodontal tissue is regenerated and reconstructed, it helps to provide an environment that is easier to keep clean, helping to reduce the chances of reinfection.
Generally, healthy gums have a depth of no more than 3 mm, and anything above this depth can indicate the signs of periodontal disease.
Preparing for
Gum Surgery
Before a patient has a gum surgery, Dr. Maddux will perform a pre-operative exam to make sure it is safe to have surgery.
During this exam, Alabama Periodontics will likely:
- take a medical history review and do an exam
- examine the teeth, mouth, and jaw to check for stability and health
- check for any infections, abscesses, or other lesions that could make healing from surgery more complicated
- discuss the risks and benefits of the operation, and receive permission or consent to move forward with the surgery
Depending on the type of procedure, a range of things may take place. Most gum surgery procedures take around 2 hours to complete. In some cases, the surgery will require patients to be asleep or partially asleep during the procedure. Other times, the surgery only involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums.
During the procedure, Dr. Maddux uses sterile equipment, including instruments and drapes, to lower the risk of infection. After making small incisions or cuts along the gum line, he will lift the gums away from the teeth. This allows better visibility to see the roots so that we can remove and clean away any tartar, plaque, or infection.
Following this deep cleaning, we may perform other procedures, such as gum reshaping, bone regeneration procedures, or other planned procedures. Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Maddux will stitch the gums back into place, using fine thread stitches. We will remove the stitches 7 to 10 days after surgery.
What Happens During Surgery?
What is Recovery Like?
Following any dental procedure, Dr. Maddux will provide detailed instructions on how to achieve the best possible recovery. Recovery times will depend on the extent of the procedure taking place
Typically, people will require pain relief medications in the days after gum surgery. Again, Dr. Maddux will talk to the person about any recommended drugs before they leave the office or surgical center.
We may also recommend:
- using an antiseptic mouthwash to keep the area clean and to avoid infection
- avoiding strenuous exercise
- eating soft foods in the days following surgery
- not smoking
We will schedule an appointment to return to the office for 1–2 weeks time. During this appointment, Dr. Maddux will check how the gums are healing and, if required, remove any stitches.
A person’s gums will look and feel different after surgery. The gums and teeth will heal, tighten, and become firmer and stronger. Some people may have tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and may find relief by using desensitizing toothpaste.
We will discuss a follow-up schedule to maintain good oral health in the future.