Most dental patients are already aware of the vast range of treatments that can be performed involving the natural tooth structures. These include tooth extractions, root canal procedures, dental implants, all-on-four dentures, and much, much more. There are, however, a number of treatments that can be rendered to improve or strengthen the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. Following is everything you need to know about your options in soft oral tissue surgery.
Root scaling and planing is one of the most popular treatments out there. This is commonly employed in instances in which patients have severe gum disease. If your gums are often swollen or sore, or if these bleed profusely whenever you floss, you should consult with your dentist right away. These are all signs of poor gum health and they indicate a very high likelihood of infections like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
If problems like these are not treated in a timely fashion, they can lead to weakening and even the eventual loss of the natural tooth loss. If allowed to progress beyond this, these infections can even have an impact on the health of the underlying bone structure. Moreover, once these systems are allowed to become systemic, they can diminish your heart health and the health of all other organ systems.
When your oral and maxillofacial surgeon knows that you have gum disease that cannot be reversed through mere brushing, flossing and other forms of at-home oral care, this professional will provide root scaling and planing. This is an aggressive cleaning treatment that is meant to eliminate food and other particulates that have become trapped well below the gum line. When the work is done, the gum tissues can heal and loose teeth will gradually re-anchor themselves back in place.
The gum tissues need smooth, clean planes to adhere to. When they lack these, they often begin to shear upwards and away from the teeth. This is known as receding gums. Not only does it lend a very unattractive look to the smile, but it can also expose the soft, underlying dentin. This leads to tooth sensitivity and an increase risk of tooth damage and loss.
Gum replacement surgeries can improve the smile and protect the tooth dentin. People who have short teeth or excessive gums can also have these tissues trimmed. This is an excellent and easy way to elongate short teeth, without altering or inadvertently diminishing the overall structural integrity of the small.
Some of these treatments are performed as necessary precursors to other forms of dental treatment. For instance, if you want to have a cosmetic dental treatment implemented such as the installation of veneers or implants, ensuring that you have healthy gum tissues may be critical before proceeding. When used to correct infection, however, these options are typically performed as standalone treatments.
Before having any of these procedures performed, it is important for patients who smoke to enter into cessation programs. This is vital for ensuring adequate blood flow to the gums for promoting and supporting healing. The decision to quite smoking ahead of any oral surgery can also greatly increase a patient’s chances at attaining long-term success.