What is Periodontal Surgery?
It is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping in order to restore regular functioning of periodontal structures that have been lost.
Those structures include gum tissues, bones, and ligaments and support our teeth.
There are multiple procedures that are involved:
- Periodontal (Osseous) Surgery
- Gum recession treatment
- Lost tooth attachment
- Cosmetic periodontal procedures
- Crown lengthening
- Gum grafting
In addition to the surgical procedures noted above, there are also cost-effective non-surgical procedures. Treatments include plaque removal, root planning, scaling, and adjunctive therapies such as host modulations and local delivery anti-microbials.
Will you be harmed by the surgery?
The actual surgery may appear to be a dangerous procedure with surprises that are attached to it. People are scared by the sounds they hear during the surgery. The pressure of having surgery can also be too much for some individuals. However, using nitrous oxide and local anesthesia actually makes the treatment process relaxing.
Post treatment issues and pains
During the initial days following the procedure, you can expect to feel some soreness.
- Increased numbness, discomfort, bleeding, and swelling
- Usually pain occurs in surgeries that involve gingival graft procedures and opening of flaps.
- It is normal to feel pain 3 days after having surgery and over the course of the healing process it should continue to decrease.
- If you have pain that lasts longer than 3 days then there is a problem.
- Prolonged pain results from poor infection control, poor tissue handling, poor local anesthesia, tissue trauma, and long surgical procedures.
- Being susceptible to hot foods is another problem that many patients encounter.
Steps for Minimizing Pain
If some simple steps are followed it is possible for periodontal surgery to be peaceful and gentle. Dentists have recommended some good measures that can help to minimize pain following treatment.
They include the following:
- To decrease swelling, apply ice every 20 minutes.
- During the first 3 days avoid heavy lifting and the gym.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking as much as possible.
- You should take your pain medication whether you are feeling in pain or not.
- Consume light, soft, and cool foods. Avoid hot and spicy foods. Eat eggs, fish, cereals, sliced soft fruits, soft drinks, and yogurt.
- Clean your teeth using warm salt rinses. Avoid brushing.
- Avoid bleeding by taking a wet teabag or damp gauze and applying pressure to the area.
Conclusion
The periodontics process sounds very scary and something to dread. However, many people’s personal experiences suggest that it isn’t the actual process that makes it hard to deal with but all of the other things that are associated with it. If you are planning to have periodontal surgery be sure to speak with your dentist to discuss all of the details and make sure to follow all of the recommended procedures.
