Common Peridontal Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

Periodontal procedures are generally used to address oral health concerns such as periodontitis. However, many are surprised to learn about the cosmetic advantages surgical procedures from a periodontist can provide. This review discusses several procedures periodontists perform that have cosmetic uses and help to improve the health of the gums and jawbone.

What are the most common periodontal cosmetic surgical procedures?

Notable periodontal cosmetic surgical procedures that periodontists can offer include pocket reduction surgery, gum graft procedures, bone graft procedures, and laser gum surgery. Scaling and root planing also offer cosmetic advantages. Of course, every periodontist has their own set of procedures that may include more (or fewer) services.

Pocket reduction surgery

Pocket reduction surgery, also called flap surgery, is performed when a patient’s gums are severely diseased. This can cause pockets to form in the gums in between teeth, and bacteria can accumulate and spread from these areas, which compromises the patient’s health and appearance; the risk of tooth loss is much greater in this instance. During pocket reduction surgery, a periodontist pulls back the gums in these areas and cleans beneath the gums before placing the gums snugly around teeth to reduce the risk of bacteria accumulating again.

Gum graft procedure

A gum graft procedure may be recommended when gum recession makes teeth appear longer than what is natural. A gum graft procedure involves grafting new gum tissue (which is usually taken from another area of the mouth) to the area where the recession has taken place. This creates a gum line that looks more natural and adequately supports teeth for optimal appearance and oral health.

Bone graft procedure

A bone graft procedure is a periodontal procedure that involves grafting new bone tissue where bone loss has occurred in the jaw. This is often an important step in the tooth replacement process with dental implants, although a bone graft procedure can be beneficial for patients with dentures or a dental fixed bridge as well.

Laser gum surgery

Laser gum surgery is a less invasive way to try and regenerate lost gum tissue through the use of laser technology. It is gaining in popularity among periodontists, although not all periodontists offer this treatment. This procedure is specifically recommended when periodontitis has led to a loss of bone and gum tissue and may be an alternative to a bone or gum graft procedure.

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure, but it is one of the most common procedures that a periodontist can perform. Also referred to as deep dental cleaning, scaling and root planing involves cleaning beneath the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria and treat gum disease.