Periodontal Surgery (Periodontology)
Periodontal surgery, or periodontology, is a dental discipline that has significantly advanced in recent years and deals with gum diseases.
Periodontitis is a widely prevalent chronic disease during which there is a gradual recession of the gums. Additionally, there’s a loss of bone mass and the formation of periodontal pockets. In advanced stages, the tooth begins to shift. Over time, patients suffering from this disease end up losing their teeth.
Treatments at Dr. Minić’s Dental Clinic – PERIODONTAL SURGERY
An increasing number of patients are facing this widespread disease. In line with this, Dr. Minić’s Dental Clinic offers a range of services to assist its patients.
Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Pockets
The surgical treatment of periodontal pockets is a procedure commonly used in treating periodontitis.
Before conducting the surgical procedure, dentists recommend taking a sample to help determine the type and number of bacteria present. The sample is sent for analysis to precisely determine the causative agents of periodontitis. Based on the results, an appropriate antibiotic therapy is administered.
After drug therapy, artificial bone of bovine origin (BIOSS) is implanted. This method corrects defects caused by periodontitis.
Mucogingival Surgery
Gingivitis is a gum inflammation that can be caused by a wide range of factors.
In cases of thin attached gingiva and gum recession, a surgical procedure is conducted. It involves taking an epithelial transplant from the palate and placing it on the area affected by gum recession.
Frenectomy
The frenulum is a mucosal fold that connects the lips, cheeks, and tongue to the jawbone. If problems arise, it can cause aesthetic or functional issues. The frenulum is most prominent at the junction of the upper lip and the ridge of the upper jaw.
It is surgically removed in cases where a high or low frenulum attachment causes gum recession or spacing between teeth. Additionally, the procedure is necessary if the frenulum restricts tongue movements or jeopardizes the stability of dental prostheses.
This procedure is also carried out as part of the treatment for a “gummy smile.” It prevents the upper lip from lifting and reduces gum visibility. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is completely safe and painless.
Gum, Tongue, and Lip Issues “Gummy Smile”
A “gummy smile” is primarily an aesthetic concern. It occurs when a significant amount of gum is visible when smiling. Although considered a normal variation in human anatomy, this phenomenon can seriously affect individuals’ self-confidence. Fortunately, this appearance can be corrected with simple periodontal surgery procedures.
The “gummy smile” can be caused by a range of factors. Some of these include previous orthodontic treatments, effects of medication therapy, or changes conditioned by development or genetic influences.
Types of “Gummy Smile”
The term “gummy smile” can refer to a single tooth, specific groups of teeth, or all teeth. Depending on the percentage of the tooth crown covered by the gums, we differentiate four types of “gummy smiles”:
- Mild;
- Moderate;
- Advanced;
- Severe.
Regardless of the classification, there are various treatment options tailored to all patient categories.
The most common types of therapies to address this issue include:
- Gingivectomy is the laser or surgical removal of a minimal amount of gum tissue. The procedure is painless, doesn’t require stitches, and the gums recover within two weeks. This procedure is recommended for mild to moderate forms and is often combined with lip augmentation using hyaluronic acid.
- Clinical Crown Lengthening is a painless procedure wherein, with more extensive gum intervention, ceramic veneers or crowns are placed. This gum intervention is indicated for the advanced or severe form of “gummy smile”.
In some cases, an additional procedure is necessary – the suspension (lowering) of the upper lip.