Is Perio Surgery the Unsung Hero of Your Smile?
Gum health often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves—until there’s a problem. If you’ve been told you have gum disease or advanced bone loss, you might be wondering if it’s too late to save your teeth. That’s where perio surgery in Lexington can be a game-changer.
At Concord Lexington Periodontics, we see many patients walk through the door thinking their smile is beyond help. The truth is, with the right periodontal care and surgical support, even serious gum issues can be managed, often without losing teeth.
Let’s explore how periodontal surgery works, what it involves, and how it might just save your smile.
What Is Perio Surgery?
Periodontal surgery is a specialized treatment designed to restore the structures that support your teeth, primarily the gums, ligaments, and jawbone. When gum disease advances beyond what deep cleanings (like scaling and root planing) can fix, surgery becomes necessary to clean deeper, repair damage, and stabilize the teeth.
This isn’t cosmetic work. It’s about stopping the progression of disease, reducing inflammation, and preserving what you already have.
Why It Matters: Periodontal Disease Isn’t Just About Gums
When left untreated, gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It breaks down the very foundation of your teeth. As the infection spreads beneath the surface, it begins to erode the bone that anchors your teeth.
Key signs that surgery might be needed:
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone loss visible on X-rays
- Swollen, bleeding gums that don’t improve with regular cleanings
- Regular bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
This is when periodontal dental care goes from maintenance to surgical intervention.
Types of Periodontal Surgery
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the disease and the areas affected.
Common surgical options include:
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
The gum is lifted to clean deeper areas of plaque and tartar. The area is then sutured back snugly to reduce pocket depth.
- Bone Grafts
Used when bone loss has occurred. Bone from your body, a donor, or synthetic material is placed to encourage regrowth and strengthen support for teeth.
- Soft Tissue Grafts
If gum recession exposes roots, tissue from the roof of your mouth is grafted over the area to protect the tooth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
A membrane is placed between bone and gum to allow the bone to regenerate without interference from soft tissue.
- Crown Lengthening
If decay or fracture is below the gumline, this procedure reshapes gum and bone to expose more of the tooth.
Your dental surgeon near you will determine the best approach after a detailed exam and imaging.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Healing
The process usually starts with a comprehensive evaluation, including X-rays, probing depths, and sometimes a 3D scan. Once surgery is scheduled, your periodontist will give you instructions for before and aftercare.
During the procedure:
- Local anesthesia is used to numb the area.
- The procedure may take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.
- You can typically go home the same day.
After surgery:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, or bleeding is common.
- Soft foods and gentle brushing are recommended.
- A follow-up visit ensures proper healing.
Most people get better within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the surgery type and personal healing.
How Perio Surgery Saves Your Teeth
Think of it as giving your mouth a second chance. Without intervention, gum disease keeps progressing. But surgery can:
- Remove deep-seated infection
- Regenerate lost bone and tissue
- Reduce gum pockets that trap bacteria
- Stabilize loose teeth
- Improve the look and feel of your smile
Plus, restoring healthy gums has a domino effect—it boosts your ability to chew, speak, and clean your teeth effectively.
Who Benefits Most from Periodontal Surgery?
Surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments haven’t worked or the disease is too advanced.
You may benefit if:
- You’ve had repeated deep cleanings with little improvement
- X-rays show significant bone loss
- You’ve started to lose teeth
- You have gum recession or exposed roots
- Inflammation persists despite excellent oral hygiene
In some cases, people undergoing cosmetic dentistry in Oshawa may need surgery to ensure a healthy base for aesthetic treatments.
Short List: Habits to Support Healing After Perio Surgery
Give your mouth the best shot at recovery by following these post-op tips:
- Stick to soft food items like yogurt, eggs, and smoothies
- Avoid spicy, hot, or crunchy foods for a few days
- Don’t smoke—it delays healing significantly
- Use prescribed mouth rinses to reduce bacteria
- Keep your follow-up appointments
Good home care and regular visits are key to keeping your results long-term.
Final Thoughts
Perio surgery isn’t just about saving teeth—it’s about restoring confidence and function. It gives you the possibility to hit the reset button on your oral health and avoid more serious issues down the line.
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn gum problems or feel like your teeth are starting to fail, don’t wait. A surgical consultation might be the lifeline your smile needs.
With the right care and team behind you, periodontal surgery can be the reason you keep your teeth for decades longer—and continue smiling with ease.