Originally posted on February 27, 2023
At Park Place Dental, we offer comprehensive treatments like gum surgery, so you can feel comfortable working with the team you trust and don't have to go anywhere else for your dental care. Today's gum surgeries are more efficient and streamlined than ever, thanks to dental lasers and other advanced technologies.
Here's a review of everything you need to know about gum surgery in Barrie, ON.
Do You Need Gum Surgery?
Not every gum issue needs surgery to resolve, but knowing what to look for can alert you to when it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
- Swollen, red, or tender gums that don't improve
Some of these symptoms may be a sign of early gum disease, which we can often treat without surgery. Others may indicate more advanced periodontal issues that may require surgery to treat. The best way to know for sure is to have one of our Barrie dentists evaluate your gums and recommend the right treatment based on what's actually happening in your mouth.
Types of Gum Surgeries
Gum Grafting
Some patients require gum surgery to restore oral health and save their teeth, typically due to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease means infections of the tissues surrounding your teeth. Without treatment, the infection can lead to tooth loss and can even contribute to health complications like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Gum graft surgery allows your Barrie, ON, dentist to restore gum health using healthy tissue grafts borrowed from another source. The healthy tissue replaces compromised tissue to help you achieve a healthier smile.
Gum Contouring
Have you ever felt like your teeth were too short? Or perhaps you show a lot of gum tissue when you smile?
Some patients opt for gum surgery to dramatically enhance the appearance of their smile. This is called gum contouring. Gum contouring is a way to adjust the gum-to-tooth ratio, which can correct gummy smiles and lengthen short-looking teeth.
This process calls for Dr. Joo to combine skill and artistry to remove gum tissue and sculpt your gums gently so they appear less prominent relative to your teeth and more flattering to your smile. We can reveal the smile you never knew you had with gum contouring in Barrie!
Laser vs. Traditional Gum Surgery
You may be familiar with traditional gum surgery that uses cutting and stitching. This approach is effective but usually involves more bleeding, stitches, and longer recovery times.
Laser gum surgery uses a focused beam of light to remove or reshape tissue with great precision. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, so patients tend to experience less bleeding during surgery and less swelling afterward. In many cases, stitches are not needed at all.
Preparing for Your Surgery
A little preparation goes a long way toward a more comfortable experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your gum surgery:
- Arrange a ride home. You may feel drowsy or uncomfortable after your procedure, so plan to have someone drive you.
- Ask about medications. Let Dr. Joo know about any medications or supplements you take. He will let you know if you need to make any temporary adjustments, like pausing blood thinners.
- Follow fasting instructions. Depending on your procedure, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a set period beforehand. Our team will let you know what steps to take.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Loose-fitting clothes will help you feel more comfortable and make the appointment easier.
- Shop for post-op foods. Stock up on soft foods, so you don’t have to worry about what to eat after surgery.
Tips for Comfortable Healing After Gum Surgery
#1 Use Ice for Swelling After Surgery
If you experience swelling after your gum surgery, you can use an ice pack for 20-minute intervals to help reduce it.
#2 Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft or liquid foods for the first few days after surgery, such as:
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Soup
Also, foods and beverages should be at room temperature, as very hot or cold items could irritate your healing gums.
#3 Brush Carefully and Gently
You can continue brushing and flossing as usual after surgery. However, be very gentle around the surgical sites, being careful not to irritate them.
#4 Take Pain Medication as Needed
Most people find relief with over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your pain is extreme or severe, contact your team at Park Place Dental for more information about pain management.
#5 Rest and Avoid Activity for the First Few Days After Surgery
Plan to take a day or two off from your regular schedule for your recovery. Also, avoiding exercise or heavy activity for a few days will help speed healing and prevent bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
What NOT to Do During Gum Surgery Recovery
- Don't smoke or use tobacco, as it slows healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Don't drink through a straw, as the suction can disturb the surgical site
- Don't eat hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until your gums have healed
- Don't rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours
- Don't skip follow-up appointments, as Dr. Joo needs to monitor your healing
Gum Surgery Questions and Answers
How Much Is Gum Surgery?
The cost of gum surgery varies significantly due to the patient's individual needs. For example, extensive gum grafting around several teeth will cost more than contouring around a few front teeth.
Schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists to determine your unique treatment cost. They will create a customized treatment plan, explain the cost, and review the treatment and healing timeline.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Gum Surgeries?
As with any surgical procedure, gum surgery carries risks, such as swelling or infection. However, laser technology makes gum surgeries more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Dr. Joo's extensive training and skills also contribute to the best possible outcome for your surgery.
Does Gum Surgery Require Multiple Appointments?
In some cases, depending on the complexity of your case, we may divide your treatment into multiple appointments. In others, we can complete full treatment in only one visit.
We will also need to schedule additional appointments after your surgery to make sure you’re healing properly.
Need More Information About Gum Surgeries in Barrie, ON?
Your team at Park Place Dental can answer any additional questions you may have or book your evaluation with Dr. Joo. Call us at (705) 728-9922 for more information.
