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Gum Surgery

Information about gum surgery, the various options, and aftercare for those living in Mississauga, Ontario.

Getting Gum Surgery in Mississauga

Gum surgery in Mississauga falls into two categories:
  • Gum disease or oral health
  • Cosmetic
The determination of whether gum surgery is needed follows the recommendation of your dentist. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon, and they will do more assessment before the gum surgery is scheduled. At Versante Dental in Mississauga, Ontario, we are with you every step of your treatment plan.

Types of Gum Surgeries

Most gum surgeries are to remedy the effects of gum disease or fix receding gums. They include five procedures.
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CheckmarkGingival Flap Surgery

This surgery, also called pocket reduction, is performed to clean hard tartar and bacteria from beneath the gums. In this procedure, the dentist removes gum tissue from teeth. They clean the area and stitch the gums to reattach to the teeth.

CheckmarkGingivectomy

A gingivectomy is sometimes recommended to reduce the deep pockets under gums where bacteria grow. The dentist removes excess gum tissue to reduce the areas where pockets form.

CheckmarkGum Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is a procedure in which a surgeon takes healthy tissue and attaches it to receding gums to cover exposed tooth roots. Healthy tissue can be retrieved from the roof of the mouth or from a donor through a separate source.

CheckmarkBone Grafting

Bone grafts are sometimes required to stimulate bone growth in the gums. This is often done to prepare for other procedures, such as dental implants, but it can also be used to improve facial structure.

CheckmarkLaser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)

This utilizes a specialized laser to remove diseased gum tissue. It is one of the least invasive procedures and involves less pain and quicker healing than other procedures.

Gum surgeries can also be used to alter a smile to make it more attractive. There are two types of surgeries used for that purpose.

CheckmarkCrown Lengthening

Crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue so that the teeth appear longer and have more tooth surface. It may be necessary for dentists to have more tooth surface to place crowns or perform other procedures. Crown lengthening can also address a “gummy” smile and improve symmetry.

CheckmarkGingivoplasty

This cosmetic procedure reshapes gums to create a more even gumline and is used to make a smile more attractive.

Gum surgery performed with a dental assistant in Mississauga

How Gum Surgery is Performed

Gum surgery is performed in a dental office as an outpatient procedure. We use a local anaesthetic, but you may also wish to have sedation. You will need to have someone drive you home if sedation is used. Gum surgery can be one of the longer procedures, so wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to spend a couple of hours in the dental office.

Gum surgery typically involves the oral surgeon and an assistant. Your vitals will be checked and monitored throughout the procedure.

Risks of Gum Surgery

Gum surgery doesn’t carry significant risk but may cause minor side effects. Side effects include:
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Swelling and bruising

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Mild to moderate pain

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Tooth sensitivity

Side effects will lessen as healing continues. Healing from gum surgery can take two weeks or longer. Bone and gum grafts can take months to heal completely.
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Post-Surgery Care

The dentist will advise you on post-surgery care specific to your surgery. Generally, you will need to stay on a soft, bland diet during the initial healing period. That means avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, spicy foods, and other extreme menu items. Ongoing follow-ups with your dentist will be necessary to ensure healing continues.

Advanced Gum Disease

One of the primary reasons to have gum surgery is to stop the progression of advanced gum disease. At Versante Dental, we have options before surgery that may be better for you. Call us or schedule an appointment online to discuss your gums and let us create a treatment plan that helps your long-term oral health.

FAQ

Will gum surgery make my gums healthy?
Gum surgery is one of many steps to create healthier gums. It is not a cure-all, but it can result in improvement.
Is gum surgery covered by insurance or CDCP?
It could be covered, but it depends on benefits and whether the surgery is for gum health or cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgeries generally are not covered.
Why do gums recede?
Gums recede because of periodontitis, or gum disease. Good dental care and oral hygiene can stop or slow the progression of gum disease.
Will I need more than one gum surgery?
It depends on your individual case and the reason for the gum surgery.