Without professional treatment and improvements in your oral hygiene, gum disease will inevitably start to progress from gingivitis into the more serious infection of periodontitis. This can cause your gum tissues to recede from the basis of your teeth and cause an infection to form deep within your gums.
To effectively treat severe periodontitis, Dr. Michael Shnayder might recommend a gingival flap surgery. This will effectively remove infected material from the base of your teeth while also modifying your gum tissues to cover the base of your teeth. This should restore the normal health and basic shape of your gum line.
Thoughtful preparation and quality aftercare will greatly improve your chances for a quick recovery after gingival flap surgery.
When planning the treatment, you might want to take a week from work. Gingival flap surgery often requires deep sedation for your comfort. You will need to arrange to have a friend or family member drive you and help you at home while the sedative gradually dissipates.
Tobacco use can cause serious complications during the recovery process. The heat, tar, and other chemicals can increase healing time and lead to a serious infection. If you use tobacco on a regular basis you should talk to your doctor in advance to find a cessation program that’s right for you. Try to select a program that doesn’t use lozenges or nicotine gum.
While your gums are healing, you will need to stick to a diet of soft foods. Proper hydration is also very important. Try to drink plenty of lukewarm liquids and avoid using a straw. The suction can harm the incisions or pull blood clots loose.
You might notice your gum line bleeding for a day or two after surgery. When this happens you can lightly pack the area with sterile gauze. After the bleeding stops, you can gently rinse your mouth with salt water to cleanse the area and soothe your gums.
If you are in the Omaha, Nebraska, area and you are struggling with gum disease problems, you can call 402-317-5657 to schedule a consultation at Village Pointe Oral Surgery.