Gum Therapy: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical

Here's How We Treat Gum Disease

Did you know: gum (periodontal) disease is the number one cause of tooth loss around the globe! Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth sticks around long enough to build up and create plaque and tartar.

Gum therapy is used as treatment for patients who suffer from periodontal disease – but the type of gum therapy a patient receives depends on the severity of their case. Gum therapy can be either surgical or non-surgical.

If a patient has been experiencing gums that bleed when they brush or floss, gum recession, swelling/redness in the gums, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, or pain while chewing – it’s very likely that they’re experiencing some form of periodontal disease.

Non- Surgical Gum Therapy

Non-surgical gum therapy is achieved with a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist. During this cleaning, the hygienist scrapes away at plaque and tartar around and below the gum line and smoothes out any rough areas through a process called scaling and root planing. The patient can choose to receive a numbing local anesthetic before the treatment to reduce any pain or discomfort. Patients with a mild form of gum disease that has not yet advanced to severe periodontal disease will often benefit from this deep cleaning, as it will help to reverse it. The patient must ensure that they stick with a proper daily oral care routine to prevent gum disease from recurring.

Surgical Gum Therapy

Surgical gum treatment is required when a patient has a more advanced case of gum disease. Surgical gum therapy involves procedures such as flap surgery (or pocket reduction surgery), where the gums are folded back so that the tartar can be removed. Another procedure performed to treat gum disease is soft tissue grafting, where tissues (typically taken from the roof of the mouth) are used to restore areas where the gums have receded. A bone grafting procedure is also a great option, in which case replacement bone (natural or synthetic) is used to restore bone that has been destroyed. In other cases, bone that has been affected by gum disease is smoothed to make it harder for bacteria to thrive in those areas.

Prevention is Vital

When it comes to oral health and gum disease, prevention is the best measure you can take. If you suspect you have gum disease, please contact your Etobicoke dentist today at (416) 232-1688. Our dentists and hygienists will be able to provide you with the right type of gum therapy you need.

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