Periodontal Surgery
(Gum Surgery)

Also called gum surgery, it is a surgical approach to treating advanced gum disease when non-surgical methods have not achieved sufficient pocket reduction. The procedure gives the clinician direct access to root surfaces and bone for thorough decontamination.

Local anaesthetic is used throughout, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. Afterward, mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are common and typically well-managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses.

Options include flap surgery (open debridement) for deep pocket access, osseous recontouring for irregular bone, regenerative procedures using bone grafts and GTR membranes, and soft tissue grafting for gum recession. The choice depends on each patient's clinical presentation.

In favourable defect patterns, regenerative techniques can partially restore lost bone. However, not all damage is reversible. The primary objective is halting further progression and creating a stable, maintainable environment.

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Potential complications include swelling, bruising, short-term sensitivity, tissue recession during healing, and rare instances of infection or incomplete graft integration. Risks are discussed in detail before any procedure.

Surgery is considered when deep cleaning alone cannot reduce pockets to a manageable depth, when bone defects are too complex for non-surgical access, or when regenerative treatment is clinically appropriate.

Both are significant risk factors. Smoking impairs blood flow and slows wound healing. Poorly controlled diabetes increases infection risk and delays tissue repair. Addressing these factors before and after surgery improves predictability.

Careful oral hygiene, a soft diet for the first week, prescribed medication, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments. Long-term, periodontal maintenance every 3 to 6 months is essential to protect surgical outcomes.

Fees vary based on the number of sites treated, the type of procedure, whether bone graft or regenerative materials are used, and the surgical time involved. A detailed periodontal assessment is required before providing a treatment plan and cost estimate.

Yes. Soft tissue grafting can cover exposed roots, reduce sensitivity, and restore gum contour in cases of recession. The technique and expected outcome depend on the extent of recession and the quality of surrounding tissue.

It may be recommended if pockets remain deep after scaling and root planing, if infection continues despite initial therapy, or if bone defects require reshaping or regeneration to improve long-term prognosis.

A single area is usually completed within 60 to 120 minutes. If multiple sites require treatment, procedures may be staged across separate appointments to allow adequate healing between sessions.

It involves placing bone graft materials, barrier membranes, or biologic growth factors into selected bone defects to encourage new tissue formation. Success depends on defect shape, oral hygiene, and systemic health.

Soft tissue healing typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks, during which a modified diet and gentle oral hygiene are recommended. Full tissue maturation and bone integration (in graft cases) may take 3 to 6 months.

Swollen, inflamed tissue will tighten as healing occurs, which may make teeth appear longer. This is a normal sign that infection is resolving. Where gum grafting is performed, tissue coverage can improve over time.

No. Antibiotics cannot remove hardened deposits or reshape bone. They may be prescribed alongside surgical treatment to support healing, but they are not a substitute for mechanical debridement.

Depending on case complexity, treatment may be provided by a dentist with advanced periodontal training or by a specialist periodontist. At ArtSmiles, our team assesses each case individually and refers to a periodontist when appropriate.

Untreated advanced gum disease can lead to progressive structural damage, increased tooth mobility, complications around existing dental work, and eventual tooth loss. Earlier intervention typically results in simpler, more predictable treatment.

Bone graft costs depend on the type of graft material used, the size of the defect, and whether guided tissue regeneration membranes are required. A clinical examination and imaging are needed to determine suitability and provide an accurate estimate.