Offering Conventional and Laser Gum Surgery at Farber Center for Periodontics and Dental Implants in Long Island

Gum surgery is a crucial intervention for individuals suffering from advanced periodontal disease. It helps in preventing tooth loss, reducing gum pockets, and promoting oral health. At our Long Island dental office, our periodontists offer conventional gum surgery along with laser gum surgery to restore your periodontal health.

If you’re suffering from gum disease, contact our Long Island periodontists today by calling 631-265-4442 for the Hauppauge location or 631-758-3700 for the Medford location.

LANAP

What Is Gum Surgery?

Gum surgery includes a variety of procedures aimed at treating gum disease and improving oral health. These surgical treatments are necessary when the tissues around your teeth are unhealthy and can’t be repaired with non-surgical treatments.

Types of Gum Surgery

There are several types of gum surgery, each designed to address specific issues:

• Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery): To reduce the space between the gum and tooth.
• Regenerative Procedures: Regenerates lost bone and gum tissue.
• Crown Lengthening: To expose more of the tooth structure.
• Soft Tissue Gum Grafts: A gum graft used to reinforce thin gums or fill in areas where gums have receded.

The Goals of Gum Surgery

• Reducing Bacterial Spread: Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout your body. These bacteria have been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
• Preventing Bone Loss: Your immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to loss of jawbone and cause your teeth to fall out. Periodontal surgery is performed to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level.
• Enhancing Your Smile: Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, gum surgery can help restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time.
• Facilitating Home Care: As the gum pocket deepens it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Gum surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier for you to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Treatments at Farber Center

Pocket Correction Therapy

Pocket Correction Therapy, also known as flap surgery, is a common procedure used to treat gum disease. This therapy involves folding back the gums to remove bacteria and smoothen damaged bone surfaces before securing the gums back in place.

Benefits include:

• Reduced Gum Pockets: Helps in reducing the depth of gum pockets, making it easier to clean and maintain.
• Prevents Tooth Loss: Reduces the risk of tooth loss by stabilizing the teeth.
• Improves Oral Health: Enhances overall oral health by removing harmful bacteria.

Pocket Correction Procedure in Long Island

Our Long Island periodontists will do the following:

1. A local anesthetic is used to numb the gum tissue before surgery.
2. The gum is gently separated from the tooth, creating access to the infected pocket.
3. Deep deposits of plaque and tartar are then removed.
4. The gums will be placed back over the remaining bone and sutured in place.
5. Pain medicine and mouth rinses containing Chlorahexadine are generally prescribed for you following the surgery.
6. The pocket is reduced, which limits the areas where bacteria can grow.
7. The gumline often must be lowered. This exposes more of the tooth.

LANAP Laser Gum Surgery

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an advanced, minimally invasive gum surgery that uses laser technology to treat periodontal disease. It offers a less painful alternative to traditional gum surgery with faster recovery times.

Benefits of LANAP include:

• Minimally Invasive: Less bleeding, pain, and swelling compared to traditional periodontal surgery.
• Faster Recovery: Quicker healing time with fewer postoperative complications.
• Effective: Targets and removes diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
• Regeneration: Promotes the regeneration of bone and healthy gum tissue.

The LANAP Procedure

Our periodontists in Medford and Hauppauge will do the following:

1. Initial Exam: Thorough examination and diagnosis by our periodontist.
2. Anesthesia: We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
3. Laser Treatment: A specialized laser is used to remove diseased tissue and bacteria.
4. Reattachment: The laser helps in reattaching the gum tissue to the tooth root.
5. Clot Formation: The natural clotting process is stimulated to protect the treated area.

When Do You Need Gum Surgery?

Persistent Gum Disease Symptoms

• Chronic Inflammation: Red, swollen, and bleeding gums that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments.
• Deep Pockets: Pockets between the teeth and gums deeper than 5 millimeters.
• Receding Gums: Significant gum recession exposing tooth roots.

Severe Gum Disease

• Bone Loss: Evidence of bone loss around teeth seen in X-rays.
• Loose Teeth: Teeth that are becoming loose due to deteriorating gum and bone support.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath despite good oral hygiene practices.

Ineffective Non-Surgical Treatments

• Scaling and Root Planing: When deep cleaning procedures fail to eliminate the disease.
• Antibiotics: If antibiotic therapy does not improve the condition.

Other Dental Conditions

• Excessive Gum Tissue: Overgrown gums that hinder proper cleaning of the teeth.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Gummy smiles or uneven gum lines affect the appearance of the smile so some may seek out cosmetic periodontal procedures.
• Functional Needs: Preparation for dental implants or other restorative procedures.

If you’ve been experiencing periodontal disease symptoms, contact Dr. Farber, a top-rated Long Island periodontist, today for your appointment.

Cost of Gum Surgery in Long Island

The cost of gum surgery can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the periodontist, and the specific needs of the patient. On average, traditional gum surgery can range from $500 to $5,000 per quadrant, while LANAP laser surgery may cost between $1,000 to $3,000 per quadrant.

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Severity of Gum Disease: More advanced cases may require extensive treatment.
2. Type of Surgery: LANAP tends to be more expensive than traditional surgery.
3. Insurance Coverage: Check with your dental insurance provider for coverage details.
4. Geographic Location: Prices may vary based on the location and the dental clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum surgery painful?

Gum surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Post-surgery discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications.

How long does it take to recover from periodontal surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Traditional periodontal surgery may take a few weeks, while LANAP surgery typically has a faster recovery time of a few days to a week.

Are there any risks associated with gum surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, swelling, and bleeding. However, these risks are minimized when performed by an experienced periodontist or gum specialist.

Can gum disease return after surgery?

Periodontal surgery can effectively treat periodontal disease, but maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent recurrence.

Restore Your Gum Health with Our Long Island Periodontists!

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our reputable periodontist in Long Island today to schedule a consultation and explore your gum surgery options. Your journey to a healthier smile begins with the right treatment and professional care.

Contact our Medford dental office at 631-758-3700, or our Hauppauge dental office at 631-265-4442.