Categories: Dental Office

Will Dental Gum Surgery Hurt?

When a person develops gum disease, gum surgery may be the only course of treatment that can successfully eradicate the disease and restore a person's oral health. Many people want to know, does gum surgery hurt? This question is difficult to answer, as every person's pain threshold differs. Additionally, there are several types of gum surgery a person may undergo, some more invasive than others. The most an oral surgeon can do is inform a patient about what to expect from each procedure.

The different types of gum surgery

A dentist may recommend one of four types of surgery to treat gum disease. Most dental professionals will try non-invasive treatment options before resorting to surgery, but when the disease fails to respond to those treatments, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will then determine which of the four types of surgery would produce the best results.

Regeneration

The goal of regeneration surgery is to encourage new growth of gum tissue so that it properly encases the tooth. To do this, the surgeon folds back the gums to remove the bacteria that is causing the disease. The surgeon will then insert membranes, bone grafts or proteins designed to stimulate the regeneration of gum tissue.

Gingival flap surgery

A surgeon may perform this procedure if regeneration is not possible. The process involves the surgeon folding back the gum tissue, removing the disease-causing bacteria and securing the gum to the teeth.

Crown lengthening

Crown lengthening makes the teeth appear longer by removing an overgrowth of gum tissue. Though oral surgeons may use this treatment option to remove gum disease, it is also a popular surgery for cosmetic reasons.

Soft-tissue graft

When gum tissue recedes due to gum disease, the oral surgeon may borrow healthy gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and transplant it to the area of the mouth in which the gum tissue has begun to retreat. As with crown lengthening, a soft-tissue graft is done for cosmetic and health reasons, as the outcome is to cover an area where the root has become exposed and thereby improve the overall appearance of the teeth.

What to expect post-surgery

Again, it is difficult to predict just how a patient will feel after gum surgery. However, it is common for patients to experience mild to moderate pain in the immediate hours and days following surgery. This pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, which the oral surgeon should prescribe. The surgeon may also suggest that the patient apply hot and cold packs at 10-minute intervals.

It does happen that a patient develops moderate swelling after the surgery, or that a patient will begin to bleed. When this happens, the dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics, which the patient should adhere to strictly.

Conclusion

When a dentist refers a patient to an oral surgeon for gum surgery, it is typically for a good reason. Though most specialists tell patients to expect some sort of level of discomfort post-surgery, it is difficult to tell just how much discomfort a person will experience.

Request an appointment here: https://corderoperiodontics.com or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at (561) 763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures? Top Benefits Explained

More and more people are turning to implant supported dentures for full and partial tooth replacement. This option's continued rise in popularity is due to its impressive success rate and other key benefits. If you are exploring your tooth replacement options, there are unique advantages to choosing implant supported dentures.As the name suggests, implant supported…

Expert Periodontist Services For Healthy Gums And Beautiful Smiles

People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…

Transform Your Smile With Expert Implant Dentistry

It is common for people to be self-conscious about their smile, and many do not realize just how big of an impact that expert implant dentistry can have. Implants provide functional and aesthetic benefits that other restorations cannot achieve. The implant process is more in-depth than options like dentures, so the overall outcome is also…

When To Visit A Periodontist For Gum Recession

Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn more. If your smile looks different in the mirror recently, you might want to see a periodontist. You may notice your tooth roots are showing more, your teeth seem longer, or your gums are receding. Perhaps your gums are becoming more tender and your teeth are more…

Dr. Cordero

Share
Published by
Dr. Cordero

Recent Posts

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures? Top Benefits Explained

Since implant supported dentures are a customizable and versatile tooth replacement option, almost anyone looking…

2 weeks ago

Expert Periodontist Services for Healthy Gums and Beautiful Smiles

The periodontist typically takes bone from elsewhere in the mouth, but they can use hip…

2 months ago

Transform Your Smile With Expert Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are useful for smile transformations because they closely mimic real teeth.

3 months ago

When To Visit a Periodontist for Gum Recession

Periodontal disease may make teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures because it exposes…

3 months ago

What Does a Periodontist Do for Your Oral Health?

Most periodontists regularly perform oral surgeries like implant installation.

5 months ago