Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

What to Expect If You Are Scheduled to Undergo Gum Surgery

by Brett Clark

Some people become apprehensive when a healthcare professional tells them that they need to undergo surgery. This apprehension may be due to lack of sufficient knowledge about what the surgical process involves. This article discusses what you should expect if your dentist recommends that you need to undergo gum surgery to remove bacteria that has caused severe gingivitis (gum disease) in your mouth. Use this information to help you in your mental preparation for the surgery so that you are not anxious about the procedure.

Before the Surgery

The periodontist or your dentist will ask you about any medications that you may be taking. He or she may also ask about any chronic conditions that you may have. This information is important because it can have an impact on the procedure used during the surgery. For instance, in case you have been taking blood thinners, the periodontist may tell you to stop taking that medication for a while because it may make you bleed excessively during the surgery. You will also receive a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any pain during the surgery. The dentist or a hygienist may clean your teeth.

During the Surgery

The periodontist will make an incision and fold back your gum. He or she will then remove the infected tissue between your teeth. He or she will also scrape off any plaque or bacteria on the teeth. That scraping also removes any rough spots that can harbour bacteria in future. The periodontist will put the gum flap back in its place using stitches. The surgeon/periodontist may place some special dressing on the surgical site.

After the Surgery

Your dentist will give you some painkillers to dull any pain that you may feel after the surgery. The periodontist will inform you about when you should go back for a review. That review visit may involve the removal of any stitches that were used in case those stitches were of a type that does not dissolve into the tissues of your gums.

As you can see, gum surgery is a simple procedure that should not cause you to worry. However, you need to heed all the advice given by your dentist after you undergo the surgery. For instance, you should take any antibiotics given so that you do not develop an infection at the surgical site. Always contact your dentist in case you have any questions regarding any dental treatment that you are due to receive. This will allay any fears that you may have.

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