Gum Recession Periodontal Flap Surgery
Gum Recession Surgery - Periodontal Flap Surgery
Gum recession is the retraction of the gums that surround and protect the tooth and offer an aesthetic appearance. If left untreated, tooth roots are exposed, and tooth sensitivity occurs. Gum recession causes an aesthetically disturbing appearance as well as the risk of tooth loss in the long term.
What is gum flap surgery in Turkey?
Gum surgery is a surgical procedure that involves opening the gums through an incision and shaping or removing them according to the need. This procedure, also known as flap operation, addresses aesthetic issues by treating diseases like gingival recession or gingivitis.
This surgery allows for the improvement and aesthetic shaping of the gums and jawbone. If there is severe recession and inflammation in the gums or loss of bone volume, gum surgery is required for a solution.
With gum surgery, the gums can be cut and pulled higher, or excess gums can be removed, and problems such as gingival smile can be solved.
What is the need for gum/periodontic surgery?
Gum surgery is performed in the treatment of diseases such as periodontitis or gingival recession and aesthetic treatments. Here is a brief explanation of the situations where this surgery is necessary:
Gum recession
Gums are soft tissues that surround the teeth and keep the tooth healthy. Gingival recession is the regression of the gums from the enamel layer to the tooth roots for various reasons. If left untreated, it is a disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis (gingivitis)
Gingivitis is inflammation that occurs in the gums. It is a gum disease caused by toxins produced by bacteria accumulating in the teeth and gums.
Periodontitis (Tooth inflammation)
Periodontitis is the next stage of gingivitis—early gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses into periodontitis, which is much more serious. At this stage, plaque accumulation progresses under the gums and threatens the tooth by affecting the gums and alveolar bone.
Dental implant treatment
In cases where the gum or bone volume is insufficient during dental implant treatment, gum surgery is performed for grafting.
For aesthetic purposes
For aesthetic purposes, it is preferred in cases where the gums are seen too much while smiling, such as a gingival smile, or when the tooth length is longer or shorter than normal. This treatment is especially used in smile designs.
What is Gum Recession Surgery?
Gum recession surgery is a surgical procedure performed to restore the gums, which descend towards the roots of the teeth and cause the tooth to be exposed, to a normal level. Gum recession causes the appearance of small sacs or pockets between the tooth and gum. It becomes very difficult to maintain these spaces, and food residues accumulate there over time. As a result, gingival recession, one of the gum diseases, occurs. With gingival recession surgery, the gums are repositioned.
The gum, or gingiva, is adhered to the jawbone and surrounds the teeth together with the root. The task of the gums is to nourish the tooth, protect the tooth from harmful organisms, and support the tooth roots. Due to various reasons such as neglect of oral and dental care, plaque accumulation, and inflammation, the gums recede and the tooth begins to be exposed. If the gingival recession is very advanced, the gums are brought to their normal position with gingival recession surgery.
If gingival recession is not intervened early, tooth loss may occur. If you have complaints in this regard, contact a periodontology specialist immediately and take advantage of early treatment opportunities. You can contact Avedent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic in Istanbul, Turkey, for gum recession surgery. Remember, you need healthy gums for a beautiful smile.
How is Gum Recession Surgery Performed?
Gum recession surgery is performed by a periodontologist under local anaesthesia. In general terms, this surgery is performed by cutting and removing the damaged tissue in the gingiva and by grafting methods if the loss of gingiva or jawbone is too much. After the necessary intervention is performed, the gums are closed with sutures or other techniques.
The method to be used in this surgery depends on the level of gum recession, the size of the affected area, and the type of gum disease. The operation is usually performed using the following methods:
Gum graft surgery
Connective tissue graft:
Tissue taken from the palate is transplanted to the gum recession area. The gums in the palate area are opened, and the connective tissue in the lower part is removed and sutured to cover the open surface of the tooth. The palatal area where the graft is taken is also closed with sutures.
Free gum graft:
A piece of tissue on the surface of the palate is taken directly, sutured, and transplanted to the area with gum recession. The difference between this method and connective tissue grafting is that the tissue on the surface is removed, not the connective tissue in the lower layer of the palate.
Pedicle grafting
It can be said that it is the sharing of the gums adjacent to the tooth with gingival recession. With a small and partial incision, healthy and sufficient gums are shifted to the side to cover the surface of the receding tooth. In this method, since the gum is not moved from one place to another, the vessels that continue to feed it offer faster healing.
Gum resection:
In addition to gingival recession, gingival resection can be applied if there is very serious inflammation in the gums. In this procedure, inflamed gum tissues that cannot heal are removed. Grafting methods can be used according to the need.
Pinhole technique
This technique involves repositioning the gum tissue by inserting special instruments through a pinhole-sized hole in the gums. There are no stitches in this technique, and this can be considered an advantage in terms of healing.
Gum treatment with laser
Today, the use of lasers in dentistry has become very widespread. Laser also plays an important role in the treatment of gum recession. Gum treatment with laser, which is especially used in the removal of inflamed gums, offers a safe application and rapid healing without the need for incisions and stitches.
What is the aftercare for gum recession surgery?
Following gum recession surgery, the following factors should be taken into consideration:
- Cold compresses should be applied over the cheek for the first 24 hours after gum recession surgery.
- Consume soft foods (soup, mashed potatoes, or very well-cooked foods).
- The treated gums should be gently brushed with a soft brush for one week.
- Avoid using alcohol and smoking during the healing period. These slow down the healing.
Gum Recession Surgery
Turkey Cost
Gum recession surgery prices in Istanbul, Turkey, vary according to the degree of gum recession, the size of the affected area, and the presence of additional dental diseases. All these affect the scope of treatment; extra treatments such as scaling and teeth whitening can increase the cost.
You can get more information about gum recession surgery prices by contacting the experienced periodontology specialist of Avedent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic serving in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Please call us for an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs gum recession surgery?
Gum recession surgery is performed by periodontologists, who specialise in periodontology and gum diseases. It is important to choose an experienced periodontologist and an oral and dental health polyclinic equipped with modern equipment such as 3D imaging systems. These points should be considered for the success of the surgery.
When is gum recession surgery needed?
If gum recession is mild, improving oral hygiene and a professional cleaning may be sufficient. However, surgical intervention is necessary in the following cases:
Significant opening of the root surface.
Severe sensitivity and pain in the receding areas.
Increased risk of tooth loss.
Aesthetic concerns.
Does gum recession recur?
It may recur if oral and dental health is not taken care of. Taking proper care can reduce the risk.
How long does gum recession surgery take?
Gum recession surgery varies according to the size of the problem and which of the methods mentioned above will be used. While some gum surgeries can be completed in 30 minutes, sometimes this period takes 1–2 hours. You can get clearer information on this subject from the dentist who performs your examination and surgery planning.
How painful is gum recession surgery?
No, since the surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, no pain is felt.
What is the recovery time for gum recession surgery?
The gum surgery recovery period is 2 weeks. It should be noted that this period is related to the general health status of the patient. You should get information from your doctor for the exact recovery time.
