Aesthetic Dentistry Solana Beach

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Gum Surgery in Solana Beach, California

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Millions of Americans suffer from adverse gum health conditions. This is often the result of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums resulting from prolonged bacterial infection. In most cases, these gum conditions can be treated with routine dental care. However, your dentist might recommend gum surgery in Solana Beach in the more severe instances.

Our team at Inspired Smiles is equipped with the experience, skill, and advanced technology to deliver the treatment you need. Here’s what you need to know about gum surgery before visiting our dental practice.

Understanding Gum Surgery

Gum surgery is usually not the first option for gum disease. If your dentist recommends this approach, the type of surgery will depend on the treated condition. Below are some of the most common gum surgeries.

Gingival Flap Surgery

If teeth are not properly brushed, bacteria can calcify on the enamel, creating a thin film of plaque. Over time, this bacteria releases a toxin that irritates the gums. To remove particularly hard buildups of plaque and tarter, we may implement a gingival flap surgery that pulls back the gum from the teeth. This creates enough space to remove the plaque before stitching it back into place.

Gum Graft

When the gum recedes and leaves a tooth exposed, it’s essential to reshape the gum back into place to protect the tooth’s structural integrity. A gum graft is the process of taking skin tissue (often from the roof of the mouth) and stitching it into place in the area surrounding an exposed tooth.

Gum Regeneration

This procedure is often necessary after gingival flap surgery. After the gum is pulled back from a tooth, it’s often necessary to give the tissue some help with the re-growth process. Gum regeneration uses tissue-stimulating proteins, which speeds up the healing process and enables the gum to grow around the tooth healthily.

Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty is the process of reshaping gum tissue to the desired position. This could be by removing excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of a “gummy smile” or adding more gum tissue to cover exposed teeth.

How Do I Know if Gum Surgery is Right for Me?

If you think you might need gum surgery, always consult your dentist first. They will be able to diagnose your gum health and advise if your situation calls for surgery. If you are interested in gum surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, talk to your dentist on your next visit and explain your goals so that together you can come up with a treatment place that works for you.

Is Gum Surgery Painful?

Whenever the word “surgery” is used in dentistry, patients cringe at how painful it could be. The truth is that dental surgeries, in general, are not painful at all. We use anesthetics and numbing agents to ensure that you do not feel the process.

This does not mean that you won’t experience soreness or discomfort after the treatment and the anesthetics wear off. However, most of the side-effects can be treated with over-the-counter pain killers.

After your procedure, you will receive post-operation instructions to ensure that the healing process goes smoothly. If you experience consistent, sharp pain or recurring bleeding after your surgery, you should contact your dentist immediately.

What are the Benefits of a Gum Surgery in Solana Beach?

Improve the appearance of your smile
Enhance your overall dental health
Eliminated pain, discomfort, and bleeding

Do You Think You Need Gum Surgery in Solana Beach, California?

If you are experiencing gum inflammation, bleeding, and persistent pain, you should contact your dentist right away. A timely examination may help prevent a worsening condition and protect your overall dental health. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and find out if you need gum surgery.