Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating the gum pockets. The infected gum tissue is trimmed away, and uneven bone tissue re-contoured. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today.
Osseous Surgery, one of the most common surgical procedures, incisions are made around the tooth, and the gum tissue is pulled back slightly. This provides access to thoroughly remove all plaque and calculus. Irregularities of the bone caused by the disease are smoothed over and the tissue placed at a higher level around the tooth, closer to the bone. When the procedure is completed, “dissolving” sutures are used. A protective dressing often is placed around the necks of the teeth to cover the surgical area and to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in 10-14 days to remove any remaining sutures and evaluate your healing.
By moving the gum closer to the bone, the pockets will be reduced or eliminated. However, the tooth will appear longer and the spaces between the teeth will be larger. In cosmetic areas, other treatment options may be considered depending on how much gum tissue is exposed (“Smile Line”).