Improve the Health of Your Smile with Periodontal Surgery
If left untreated, severe gum disease can not only cause tooth loss but also increase your risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. When the effects of gum disease cannot be treated or reversed by nonsurgical methods, Dr. John P. Goodman can perform periodontal surgery at our Kansas City, MO, practice to stabilize your oral health and minimize the risk of related complications. Our state-of-the-art facility allows us to treat gum disease at any stage for streamlined care in one location, making it a convenient solution for our patients.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by an overgrowth of plaque and unhealthy bacteria that harms the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. If caught in its earliest stage, called gingivitis, it is typically reversible by nonsurgical methods.
With his extensive experience, Dr. Goodman can provide an array of periodontal treatments to help you restore and maintain good oral health.
As the disease advances, pockets can form in the gums at the base of the teeth and become inflamed. The longer periodontal pockets are left untreated, the more likely you are to develop side effects, such as:
- Shifting teeth
- Dental pain
- Receding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Visibly inflamed gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
When periodontal disease progresses to this point, surgical intervention is often necessary to restore the gums to their former health.
Types of Periodontal Surgery
There are several forms of periodontal surgery that can address the effects of gum disease. Dr. Goodman can often perform surgical procedures with a soft tissue laser to reduce discomfort and minimize bleeding during the treatment. Depending on the extent of your condition, Dr. Goodman may recommend procedures to reduce periodontal packets, eliminate bacteria, or restore the shape and symmetry of your gums.
Gingival Flap Surgery
This procedure is intended to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. During this treatment, the doctor will create a small incision to access and clean deeper pockets. He can also repair receded gum tissue and minor bone loss. When the procedure is complete, he will close the incision with self-dissolving sutures. Dr. Goodman will typically refer you to a Periodontist to have this procedure done.
Gingivectomy
When excess gum tissue makes it difficult to clean your teeth, the doctor can perform a gingivectomy to remove extra tissue. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Soft-Tissue Graft
Also known as a gingivoplasty, a soft-tissue graft is used to combat the effects of gum recession. When your gum recedes from the tooth, you are more vulnerable to gum disease and root decay. During a gingivoplasty procedure, the doctor can place harvested tissue in areas of recession. A soft-tissue graft is typically performed after gum health has been restored to reshape healthy tissue and protect exposed dental roots. This procedure is typically performed at a Periodontist office.
Stop Gum Disease in its Tracks
With his extensive experience, Dr. Goodman can provide an array of periodontal treatments to help you restore and maintain good oral health.
