At Park Place Dental, we offer comprehensive treatments like gum surgeries, so you can feel comfortable working with the team you trust and you don't have to go anywhere else for your dental care. Today's gum surgeries are more efficient and streamlined than ever with the dental laser and other advanced technologies.
Here's a review of everything you need to know about gum surgery in Barrie, ON.
Gum Grafting Compared with Gum Contouring
Gum Grafting
Some patients require gum surgery to restore oral health and save teeth, typically because of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease means infections of the tissues surrounding your teeth. Without treatment, periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and may even result in systemic health complications like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Gum graft surgery allows your Barrie, ON, dentist to restore gum health using healthy tissue grafts borrowed from another source. The healthy tissue replaces compromised tissue to help you achieve a healthier smile.
Gum Contouring
Have you ever felt like your teeth were too short? Or perhaps you show a lot of gum tissue when you smile?
Some patients opt for gum surgery to dramatically enhance the appearance of their smile. This is called gum contouring. Gum contouring is a way to change the gum-to-tooth ratio, which corrects gummy smiles and adds more length to short-looking teeth.
This process calls for Dr. Joo to combine skill and artistry to gently remove gum tissue and sculpt your gums to appear less abundant in proportion to your teeth and more flattering for your smile. We can reveal the smile you never knew you had with gum contouring in Barrie!
Tips for Comfortable Healing After Gum Surgery
#1 Use Ice for Swelling After Surgery
If you're experiencing swelling after your gum surgery, you can employ an ice pack for 20-minute intervals to help reduce it.
#2 Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft or liquid foods for the first few days after surgery, such as:
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Soup
Also, ensure your food and beverages are enjoyed at room temperature, as extremely hot or cold items could irritate your healing gums.
#3 Brush Carefully and Gently
You should continue your home care routine after surgery; however, be very gentle around your surgical sites being careful not to aggravate them.
#4 Take Pain Medication as Needed
Most people find relief with over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your pain is extreme or severe, contact your team at Park Place Dental for more information about pain management.
#5 Rest and Avoid Activity for the First Few Days After Surgery
Plan to take a day or two off from your regular schedule for your recovery. Also, avoiding exercise or a lot of activity for a few days will help accelerate your healing to prevent bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
Gum Surgery Questions and Answers
How Much Is Gum Surgery?
The cost of gum surgeries varies significantly due to the patient's individual needs. For example, a patient needing extensive gum grafting around several teeth will cost more than a patient contouring around their two front teeth.
Schedule an evaluation with one of our dentists to determine precisely what your unique treatment will cost. They'll create a customized treatment plan, tell you how much it will cost, and review the timeframe for treatment and healing.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Gum Surgeries?
As with any surgical procedure, there can be risks with gum surgeries like swelling or infection. However, today's technologies, like the dental laser, make gum surgeries more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Dr. Joo's extensive training and skills also ensure your gum surgery is safe and successful.
Does Gum Surgery Require Multiple Appointments?
Depending on the complexities of your case, Dr. Joo may choose to break your treatment into multiple appointments. Conversely, some cases may be completed in only one visit.
There are also additional appointments after your surgery is completed to monitor your healing.
Need More Information About Gum Surgeries in Barrie, ON?
Your team at Park Place Dental can answer any additional questions you may have or book your evaluation with Dr. Joo. Call us at (705) 728-9922 for more information.
