In the early stages of gum diseases, non-surgical treatments are sufficient in most cases. Initial periodontal treatment involves cleaning the tooth and root surfaces, providing oral hygiene education, checking occlusion, and removing retention areas (such as cavities or third molars) that facilitate the accumulation of food debris and microorganisms. The goal of this treatment is to reduce or eliminate inflammation in the gums and remove the microorganisms causing gingivitis. With this treatment, the gums reattach to the tooth, the gums shrink, and tissue pockets are eliminated.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
More advanced periodontal diseases may require surgical treatment. This treatment aims to clean tartar from deep periodontal pockets surrounding the teeth, eliminate periodontal pockets, provide a smooth root surface, and create a gum form that is easier for the patient to clean.
Gum recessions are treated with connective tissue or free gingival graft operations. Surgical interventions include:
Subgingival Curettage
If the tissue does not show the expected healing after initial periodontal treatment, the gums are numbed with local anesthesia, and inflammatory tissues and tartar under the gums are removed.
Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty
This surgical procedure, performed under local anesthesia, is used to give physiological form to thickened gum margins, correct gum morphology, and treat fibrotic gum enlargements.
Flap Operation
This surgical procedure is performed to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and create an environment where the patient can maintain adequate plaque control. In this procedure, the relevant area is numbed with local anesthesia, the gums are lifted to expose the root surfaces and bone, inflammatory tissues are removed, the root surface is smoothed, and necessary bone corrections are made. In cases of advanced bone destruction and when appropriate, bone grafts, membranes, and tissue-stimulating proteins are used to promote the formation of new supporting structures.
