How Much Does Gum Surgery Cost

Gum surgery, also known as gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, involves removing part or all of a patient’s gums in order to treat certain types of gum disease. While there are several surgical options for treating gum conditions, they all focus on one thing – reducing inflammation and infection around the gums and teeth.

In most cases, gum surgery isn’t performed until other less invasive treatments fail to provide any relief. This is because it requires general anesthesia, which makes it difficult to perform procedures like scaling, root planing or filling cavities. As such, patients usually don’t consider gum surgery until their symptoms become unbearable. In addition, some people choose not to undergo surgery due to its invasiveness. For example, if you’ve had multiple surgeries over the years to correct problems with your teeth, gum surgery may seem too drastic. However, many dentists feel that once these non-surgical techniques stop working, surgery should be considered.

When doctors refer to “gums,” they actually mean the tissues surrounding both rows of teeth called the buccal (cheek) and lingual (tongue side). Gums cover our teeth and help them stay healthy by keeping bacteria out of contact with our teeth. The two main functions of this soft tissue include providing support for our teeth and protecting them against bacterial growth. When bacteria do make contact with the surface of our teeth, it causes plaque buildup. Plaque hardens into tartar, which then irritates the gums. If left untreated, plaque can cause gum recession, where the gums recede below the level of our teeth. Other potential consequences of dental plaque include chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, swelling and pain when chewing and loose teeth.

While anyone can experience gum issues, those who suffer from gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis are at greater risk. Gingivitis occurs when the gums begin to swell as a result of inflamed tissue. It does not destroy bone or connective tissue, but rather, it irritates the gums. People suffering from mild cases will notice redness, tenderness and increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Severe cases of gingivitis can lead to abscesses, pockets under the gums and even tooth loss. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease characterized by severe irritation of the gums and underlying supporting structures. Symptoms of moderate to severe cases of periodontitis include persistent pus drainage, bleeding, prolonged wound healing time after treatment, loosening of teeth and early tooth loss. Advanced forms of periodontitis can even affect how well we chew food.
There are three basic types of gum surgeries: flap surgery, partial thickness surgery and full thickness surgery. Flap surgery only removes parts of the gums, while partial thickness removal takes away layers of tissues. Full thickness procedures remove everything above the roots of the teeth. All three types involve cutting the gums to relieve pressure caused by irritated gum tissue. They’re also used to treat gum infections and to prevent further damage to the gums.

Flap surgery is often done during routine cleanings or as a separate procedure. During this type of surgery, the doctor cuts down through the mucous membrane covering the gums and exposes the top layer of tissue. Once exposed, the doctor uses scissors to cut off pieces of the gums that aren’t affected by the problem area. Partial thickness surgery works similarly, except instead of using scissors, a scalpel is used to cut away sections of tissue. Full thickness surgery is similar to partial thickness surgery, except the entire piece of gum tissue is removed.

As mentioned earlier, gum surgery can sometimes be too aggressive for some people. Patients with existing medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes or AIDS, should consult their physician before having any kind of surgery. Those with pre-existing mental health concerns should talk to their therapist first. Women who are pregnant shouldn’t have any kind of surgery unless absolutely necessary. Anyone considering gum surgery should ask about recovery times and possible complications. Remember, no matter what the outcome, you’ll need to take antibiotics following any operation.

If you decide to have gum surgery, find a dentist experienced with performing the procedure. He or she will assess your overall oral condition and discuss your specific needs. You’ll also want to find someone comfortable with explaining the different types of procedures available as well as postoperative care. Since general anesthesia is required, you should look for a dentist who has extensive training in the field. Ask lots of questions about the hospital staff and surgeons involved in your case. Make sure you understand exactly what’s going to happen each step of the way. Finally, shop around and get prices from multiple sources. Pricey insurance policies aren’t always the best deal, especially since you might end up paying for services that were never rendered

If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to see similar ones.
Please click on this link!