Advanced periodontitis is a condition whereby the gum disease has caused damage to the gum tissue to such an extent, that the gum has pulled away from the tooth. This has created a pocket between the gum and the tooth, to a depth greater than 5 mm. It is likely that some erosion of the bone supporting the tooth has started also.

The depth of the gum pocket is now beyond the reach of non surgical instruments so as a last resort to clean the tartar and bacteria from the pockets, gum surgery becomes necessary.

Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery).

-          A very small cut is made in the gum.

-          The flap is made by lifting the gum tissue upwards.

-          The roots of the tooth are now exposed, making them available for scaling and planing.

-          Any treatment required by the tooth supporting bone, maybe reshaping for example, will be carried out at this time.

-          The gum flap will then be repositioned and stitched.

This kind of flap surgery normally is done with the patient slightly anesthetized and is usually complete within about 2 hours.

Tissue Grafts.

-          Any unhealthy gum tissue is removed.

-          Fresh, healthy tissue is extracted from the gum palate in the mouth.

-          The healthy tissue is attached to the affected area of the gum.

-          The newly grafted healthy tissue covers the exposed roots of the tooth and reduces any further gum recession.

Tooth Support Bone Graft.

-          Grafting is carried out to replace the bone surrounding the root of the tooth resulting from the periodontitis.

-          The grafting material may be obtained from the patient using small fragments of existing bone, or synthetic bone may be used.

-          The bone graft serves to hold the tooth firmly in position and provide a base for the re growth of natural bone.

Guided Tissue Regeneration.

-          This kind of surgery encourages any damaged bone to re grow.

-          Sometimes the dentist will insert a piece of material between the remaining bone and the tooth, so stopping any unwanted unhealthy tissue from re entering the space. This will encourage the bone to re grow.

-          Or, the dentist may choose a more advanced technique which applies a special kind of gel to the diseased tooth root.

-          This gel has a similar protein structure to the enamel of a new tooth. The body reacts and thinks that a new tooth is being formed and stimulates the building of fresh healthy bone and tissue.

Tags: , , ,