Chronic issues with gum disease can advance into periodontitis. This infection and inflammation can cause your teeth to recede from your teeth, creating pockets in your gums that can harbor bacteria. The infection can cause loss of material in the bones that anchor your teeth and have an impact on other medical conditions.
The most common solution is gingival flap surgery. The surgery is often done on an outpatient basis. During the procedure the oral surgeon or periodontist will make a small incision is made in the gums. This will expose the infected material making it easier to remove. They will then pull some your health gum tissue over the base of your teeth. This restores some of the protection previously afforded by your gums and gives your body the opportunity to heal while reducing inflammation.
Afterward the surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to help deal with any lingering systemic inflammation. They may also prescribe pain killers or anti-inflammatory medication to help deal with discomfort during recovery.
If you have gum disease, or receding gums and you are concerned that you might need a procedure to resolve it, please feel free to call us at 630-232-7400 to schedule an appointment.