Gum Surgery in Williston, VT

Gum surgery is performed for both cosmetic and restorative dental problems. Typically, it is used as a treatment for patients with an advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis). This happens when bacteria and plaque accumulate in the gum pockets. This buildup may lead to infections, which may impact not only your gums but also your teeth, jawbone, and ligaments. Based on how advanced your condition is, there's two types of gum surgery used at Contemporary Dental Arts to treat gum disease — gingivectomy and gingival flap surgery. Gingivoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and improves your gums following gum disease treatment. Williston, VT dentist Dr. Lauren Shanard offers these three surgical gum treatments to eradicate advanced gum disease and help restore your smile.

An ideal candidate for gum surgery is an individual who has gum disease in the advanced stages, which may not be treated with a nonsurgical option. Typically, at this stage, the condition has started to reach the tooth roots and could also be infecting the jawbone and ligaments in your mouth. You might have visibly inflamed gums that are causing pain, pus on your teeth and gums, or loose teeth. Your gumline may be overgrown and covering too much of your teeth (creating a "gummy" smile), or receding so your tooth roots are visible.

Before you receive treatment, Dr. Shanard will evaluate your mouth to decide which procedure will be best for you. Based on the surgery chosen, Dr. Shanard will talk to you about your anesthesia and sedation options that will keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure. Gingival flap surgery makes incisions in the gum tissue so they can be moved back from your teeth. Once the enamel and gum pockets are exposed, a deep cleaning is performed before the incisions are closed with stitches. A gingivectomy removes overgrown tissue and then fully scales the teeth and gum pockets. A gingivoplasty is used to reshape and move recessive gums. If needed, a gum graft may be included with your gum surgery to make your gums higher.

After a gum surgery, you might have pain or swelling of the gums. Dr. Shanard will talk to you about pain management and the best ways to speed up your recovery at home. She might write you a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics to help after your surgery. Once your gums have healed, it's important that you continue to maintain a proper and effective oral hygiene regimen to avoid further infection with regular flossing and brushing. Bi-annual professional cleanings at Contemporary Dental Arts can help remove tartar and plaque that have built up on your enamel and stop a reoccurrence of gum disease. During your yearly dental exam, Dr. Shanard will assess your mouth to ensure your gums have properly healed and the gum disease has been fully treated.

Surgery on the gums is typically deemed medically necessary, so most of the cost will probably be paid by your insurance provider. Before your treatment, our financial coordinator will contact your insurance company to determine any additional costs. To make your treatment more affordable, Contemporary Dental Arts takes several payment methods, including medical financing. At your consultation with Dr. Shanard, she can go over cost estimates and more information on finances.

Gum disease can be painful and cause further issues such as infections, heart disease, and diabetes. Surgery on the gums at Contemporary Dental Arts is often an effective treatment option to eradicate advanced periodontal disease and improve your smile. To learn more, contact our office in Williston, VT to plan your consultation with dentist Dr. Shanard.