Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConditions TreatedSurgery TypesPreparationDuring the ProcedureRecovery and Post-Op CareCost and InsuranceGum Disease PreventionOutlook
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Conditions Treated
Surgery Types
Preparation
During the Procedure
Recovery and Post-Op Care
Cost and Insurance
Gum Disease Prevention
Outlook
This article covers what to expect from periodontal surgery, the conditions it treats, and recovery after the procedure.
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What Conditions Can Periodontal Surgery Treat?
There are various conditions and oral health issues that can be treated using periodontal surgery. They include:
These types of diseases affect the health of the mouth and oral cavity in different ways and can lead to:
Along with the effects mentioned above, gum disease can also come with other symptoms, including:
A Word From VerywellPeriodontal surgery is a minor outpatient procedure that is typically performed at your dentist’s office. Some patients will complete their procedure with just local anesthesia where minimal preparation is needed, and others will require IV sedation for comfort and reduction of anxiety.—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD. MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Periodontal surgery is a minor outpatient procedure that is typically performed at your dentist’s office. Some patients will complete their procedure with just local anesthesia where minimal preparation is needed, and others will require IV sedation for comfort and reduction of anxiety.—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD. MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Periodontal surgery is a minor outpatient procedure that is typically performed at your dentist’s office. Some patients will complete their procedure with just local anesthesia where minimal preparation is needed, and others will require IV sedation for comfort and reduction of anxiety.
—BRIAN T. LUONG, DMD. MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Types of Periodontal Surgery
There are several types of periodontal surgeries, each used for a specific reason. The four main types include:
Flap Surgery
The bone is smoothed and reshaped during the surgery to prevent further plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. People with severe gum disease that cannot be treated usingroot planing, scaling,orantibioticsare candidates for flap surgery.
Bone Grafting
It is used to treat more severe forms of periodontal disease, such as severe or advanced periodontitis, because these diseases come with the highest risk of bone loss. Bone grafting can also be used to provide a strong base for adental implantand reduce the depth of periodontal pockets.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
What Are the Benefits of GTR?The benefits of this type of surgery include:The growth of new bone to support the jaw and mouthSupports the teethExtends the life of the toothIncreases the attachment around the root of the tooth
What Are the Benefits of GTR?
The benefits of this type of surgery include:The growth of new bone to support the jaw and mouthSupports the teethExtends the life of the toothIncreases the attachment around the root of the tooth
The benefits of this type of surgery include:
Tissue Grafting
Tissue grafting is a procedure that uses tissue removed from the roof of the mouth to restore lost gum tissue around the teeth. It can help reduce gum recession.
Periodontal (Gum) Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Preparation for Periodontal Surgery
Preparing for periodontal surgery is similar to other types of surgery, especially if you will be put under anesthesia. It’s recommended that you follow specific guidelines to prepare for surgery.
Preoperative Instructions
The following are guidelines to follow before periodontal surgery:
Oral Hygiene Before Periodontal Surgery
Consultation and Evaluation
It’s vital to consult with a qualified periodontist before getting periodontal surgery. They will examine your current oral health and health history to determine if thesurgery is right for you. A periodontist must understand your oral health fully so that they can properly tailor the surgery to your needs and avoidunnecessary complications. The dental healthcare provider will also check to see if any other oral health issues need to be addressed before the surgery.
Evaluating Your Oral HealthTo understand your state of oral health, a periodontist must collect your health history, do a physical exam, and take X-rays. Covering all bases will give them a clear picture of how to proceed with the surgery.
Evaluating Your Oral Health
To understand your state of oral health, a periodontist must collect your health history, do a physical exam, and take X-rays. Covering all bases will give them a clear picture of how to proceed with the surgery.
What Happens During a Periodontal Surgery Procedure?
During the procedure, you may have to be sedated, and varying surgical techniques will be used depending on the issues, such as the ones mentioned above.
Anesthesia and Sedation
There are three types of sedation used during dental surgeries. They include:
Side Effects of General AnesthesiaThere are many possible side effects associated with general anesthesia, including:SleepinessNausea or vomitingDry mouthSore throatMild hoarsenessShiveringBlurry visionItchingDizzinessMuscle aches
Side Effects of General Anesthesia
There are many possible side effects associated with general anesthesia, including:SleepinessNausea or vomitingDry mouthSore throatMild hoarsenessShiveringBlurry visionItchingDizzinessMuscle aches
There are many possible side effects associated with general anesthesia, including:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Recovery and Postoperative Care
Postoperative Instructions
In the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery, there are things you can do to reduce discomfort from the procedure, such as:
In the days that follow, you should also:
Recovery Timeline
Recovering from periodontal surgerydepends on several factors, including:
Typically, a follow-up appointment will occur around one to two weeks to check on healing and remove stitches. Aside from that, the healing process is highly personalized and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
During that time, your dental healthcare provider will instruct you on what to eat,oral hygiene practicesto follow, and how to keep your risk of infection or complications to a minimum. The healing stages are as follows:
When Can You Resume Normal Activities?Typically, people can resume their normal activities within two to four weeks following periodontal surgery. Even so, it’s vital to avoid straining the area before it is fully healed.
When Can You Resume Normal Activities?
Typically, people can resume their normal activities within two to four weeks following periodontal surgery. Even so, it’s vital to avoid straining the area before it is fully healed.
Potential Complications and Warning Signs
There are some potential complications to be aware of following periodontal surgery. They can include:
Signs You Should See Your Healthcare ProviderWhile complications after periodontal surgery can be mild, it’s important to note when you should see a dental healthcare provider. Signs you should seek medical attention include:A fever over 103Excessive blood lossPus coming from the areaExcessive pain that is not remedied with pain relievers
Signs You Should See Your Healthcare Provider
While complications after periodontal surgery can be mild, it’s important to note when you should see a dental healthcare provider. Signs you should seek medical attention include:A fever over 103Excessive blood lossPus coming from the areaExcessive pain that is not remedied with pain relievers
While complications after periodontal surgery can be mild, it’s important to note when you should see a dental healthcare provider. Signs you should seek medical attention include:
Procedure Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of periodontal surgery varies widely. Factors that go into it include what type of surgery is needed, whether or not a person has insurance, and the severity of periodontal disease. Typically, the treatments range between $500 and $10,000 per surgery.
How to Choose a Dental Plan
Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?
What’s the Outlook for Someone After Periodontal Surgery?
Summary
Periodontal disease, if left unchecked, can lead to adverse health consequences. That is why it’s vital to know your options for treating various types of gum disease. The surgical treatments available can be invasive, but they are generally considered safe and are very effective at restoring damage and preventing new issues from occurring.
Like other surgeries, it’s essential to prepare for both the day of and the recovery since you will likely need some time off work and your diet will have to change for a short period. Your dental healthcare provider will give you instructions on what to do and avoid based on your personal case. This will help you heal faster so you can return to your normal daily activities.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Periodontal diseases.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Periodontal (gum) disease.My Health Alberta.Flap procedure for gum disease.Gojkov-Vukelic M, Hadzic S, Pasic E.Evaluation of efficacy of surgical periodontal therapy with the use of bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.Med Arch.2017;71(3):208-211. doi:10.5455/medarh.2017.71.208-211St. Luke’s Hospitals.Periodontal disease: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR).American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.Salhi L, Albert A, Seidel L, Lambert F.Respective effects of oral hygiene instructions and periodontal nonsurgical treatment (debridement) on clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures with respect to smoking.J Clin Med.2020;9(8):2491. doi:10.3390/jcm9082491Georgian Dental.Here’s why it’s so important to have a dental consultation.Kaiser Permanente.Local anesthesia.American College of Anesthesiologists.IV/Monitored sedation.American Society of Anesthesiologists.Types of anesthesia: General anesthesia.Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics.Post-op instructions following periodontal surgery.Dental Specialty Care of Lancaster.How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?Suchetha A, Tanwar E, Darshan BM, Apoorva SM, Bhat D.Post-operative complications after periodontal surgery.Int Journ Applied Dental Sciences.2018;4(4):152-156.Graziani F, Tinto M, Orsolini C, Izzetti R, Tomasi C.Complications and treatment errors in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.Periodontol 2000.2023;92(1):21-61. doi:10.1111/prd.12478Askar H, Di Gianfilippo R, Ravida A, Tattan M, Majzoub J, Wang HL.Incidence and severity of postoperative complications following oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries: A retrospective study.J Periodontol.2019;90(11):1270-1278. doi:10.1002/JPER.18-0658
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Periodontal diseases.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Periodontal (gum) disease.My Health Alberta.Flap procedure for gum disease.Gojkov-Vukelic M, Hadzic S, Pasic E.Evaluation of efficacy of surgical periodontal therapy with the use of bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.Med Arch.2017;71(3):208-211. doi:10.5455/medarh.2017.71.208-211St. Luke’s Hospitals.Periodontal disease: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR).American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.Salhi L, Albert A, Seidel L, Lambert F.Respective effects of oral hygiene instructions and periodontal nonsurgical treatment (debridement) on clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures with respect to smoking.J Clin Med.2020;9(8):2491. doi:10.3390/jcm9082491Georgian Dental.Here’s why it’s so important to have a dental consultation.Kaiser Permanente.Local anesthesia.American College of Anesthesiologists.IV/Monitored sedation.American Society of Anesthesiologists.Types of anesthesia: General anesthesia.Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics.Post-op instructions following periodontal surgery.Dental Specialty Care of Lancaster.How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?Suchetha A, Tanwar E, Darshan BM, Apoorva SM, Bhat D.Post-operative complications after periodontal surgery.Int Journ Applied Dental Sciences.2018;4(4):152-156.Graziani F, Tinto M, Orsolini C, Izzetti R, Tomasi C.Complications and treatment errors in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.Periodontol 2000.2023;92(1):21-61. doi:10.1111/prd.12478Askar H, Di Gianfilippo R, Ravida A, Tattan M, Majzoub J, Wang HL.Incidence and severity of postoperative complications following oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries: A retrospective study.J Periodontol.2019;90(11):1270-1278. doi:10.1002/JPER.18-0658
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Periodontal diseases.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Periodontal (gum) disease.My Health Alberta.Flap procedure for gum disease.Gojkov-Vukelic M, Hadzic S, Pasic E.Evaluation of efficacy of surgical periodontal therapy with the use of bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.Med Arch.2017;71(3):208-211. doi:10.5455/medarh.2017.71.208-211St. Luke’s Hospitals.Periodontal disease: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR).American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.Salhi L, Albert A, Seidel L, Lambert F.Respective effects of oral hygiene instructions and periodontal nonsurgical treatment (debridement) on clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures with respect to smoking.J Clin Med.2020;9(8):2491. doi:10.3390/jcm9082491Georgian Dental.Here’s why it’s so important to have a dental consultation.Kaiser Permanente.Local anesthesia.American College of Anesthesiologists.IV/Monitored sedation.American Society of Anesthesiologists.Types of anesthesia: General anesthesia.Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics.Post-op instructions following periodontal surgery.Dental Specialty Care of Lancaster.How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?Suchetha A, Tanwar E, Darshan BM, Apoorva SM, Bhat D.Post-operative complications after periodontal surgery.Int Journ Applied Dental Sciences.2018;4(4):152-156.Graziani F, Tinto M, Orsolini C, Izzetti R, Tomasi C.Complications and treatment errors in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.Periodontol 2000.2023;92(1):21-61. doi:10.1111/prd.12478Askar H, Di Gianfilippo R, Ravida A, Tattan M, Majzoub J, Wang HL.Incidence and severity of postoperative complications following oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries: A retrospective study.J Periodontol.2019;90(11):1270-1278. doi:10.1002/JPER.18-0658
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Periodontal diseases.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Periodontal (gum) disease.
My Health Alberta.Flap procedure for gum disease.
Gojkov-Vukelic M, Hadzic S, Pasic E.Evaluation of efficacy of surgical periodontal therapy with the use of bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.Med Arch.2017;71(3):208-211. doi:10.5455/medarh.2017.71.208-211
St. Luke’s Hospitals.Periodontal disease: Guided tissue regeneration (GTR).
American Dental Association.Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures.
Salhi L, Albert A, Seidel L, Lambert F.Respective effects of oral hygiene instructions and periodontal nonsurgical treatment (debridement) on clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures with respect to smoking.J Clin Med.2020;9(8):2491. doi:10.3390/jcm9082491
Georgian Dental.Here’s why it’s so important to have a dental consultation.
Kaiser Permanente.Local anesthesia.
American College of Anesthesiologists.IV/Monitored sedation.
American Society of Anesthesiologists.Types of anesthesia: General anesthesia.
Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics.Post-op instructions following periodontal surgery.
Dental Specialty Care of Lancaster.How long does it take to recover from gum graft surgery?
Suchetha A, Tanwar E, Darshan BM, Apoorva SM, Bhat D.Post-operative complications after periodontal surgery.Int Journ Applied Dental Sciences.2018;4(4):152-156.
Graziani F, Tinto M, Orsolini C, Izzetti R, Tomasi C.Complications and treatment errors in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.Periodontol 2000.2023;92(1):21-61. doi:10.1111/prd.12478
Askar H, Di Gianfilippo R, Ravida A, Tattan M, Majzoub J, Wang HL.Incidence and severity of postoperative complications following oral, periodontal, and implant surgeries: A retrospective study.J Periodontol.2019;90(11):1270-1278. doi:10.1002/JPER.18-0658
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