Dr Maria MD
I want to talk to you about a dental procedure that you may have heard of but might not know much about – gingival flap surgery. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! In fact, it’s a really important and effective treatment for advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
So, what exactly is gingival flap surgery? Well, it’s a procedure where the gums are lifted away from the teeth to expose the roots and bone underneath.
This allows the dentist or periodontist (a specialist in gum disease) to thoroughly clean and remove any plaque, tartar, and infected tissue from the tooth roots and surrounding areas. This is crucial for treating advanced gum disease and preventing further damage to your teeth and gums.
In the past, gingival flap surgery was typically performed using scalpels and other surgical instruments. But with advancements in dental technology, lasers have become an alternative tool for this procedure. And let me tell you, lasers are pretty cool!
They offer some potential advantages over traditional methods, including precision. Lasers can be highly precise, which means they can selectively remove diseased tissue without damaging healthy tissue. This results in less bleeding and discomfort during and after the surgery.
But don’t worry, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of lasers, traditional methods are still effective and commonly used. Your dentist or periodontist will discuss the best option for you based on your specific needs.
Now, you may be wondering, why would I need this surgery? Well, if you have advanced gum disease, it’s important to address it before it progresses any further.
Gingival flap surgery
Gingival flap surgery allows for a deep cleaning of the tooth roots and surrounding areas, which can help stop the disease from spreading and save your teeth. It’s also used to access the roots of teeth for other dental treatments, such as root canal therapy.
So, if you’ve been diagnosed with advanced gum disease or need a root canal, don’t be afraid of gingival flap surgery. It’s a routine and effective procedure that can improve the health of your gums and teeth. And with the option of using lasers, it’s becoming even more comfortable and precise.
