Three Things to Know About Gum Surgery in Toronto

Just the mere mention of the word surgery is enough to get most people on edge; however, when it comes to gum surgery, there is nothing to worry about. Gum surgery is a relatively common procedure in Toronto, and it’s performed regularly to help restore oral health and improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Why You Might Need (or Want) Gum Surgery

Even though it’s not painful, gum surgery isn’t something you get just for fun. The procedure is usually only recommended when the condition of your gums has seriously deteriorated and there are no other options available, or it is required for aesthetic purposes.

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)

While some people are predisposed to gum issues like thinning or receding gums, advanced periodontitis is the leading cause of this type of tissue loss. When gum disease progresses too far, it can cause your gums to recede, which in turn can expose the root of the tooth, increasing the risk of oral health issues like cavities, bone damage, and eventually even tooth loss. Gum surgeries help prevent these scenarios by restoring lost tissue, stopping further damage, and protecting your teeth.

Cosmetic Gum Surgery

Just like some people are predisposed to receding gums, others may have what is known as a “gummy smile.” A gummy smile isn’t a major concern from a medical standpoint, but those with the condition often feel self-conscious about their smiles. For these patients, gum surgery can be used to reshape the gums, reduce the amount of gum showing, and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Types of Gum Surgery

Just like there are different reasons for needing gum surgery, there are different types of surgeries. Depending on the underlying condition, your Toronto periodontist will advise you on the correct treatment for your situation.

Removing Bacterial Buildup: Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)

When early forms of gum disease like gingivitis are left untreated deep pockets can develop around the teeth beneath the gum line, attracting food, plaque and bacteria leading to a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Over time, periodontitis can cause irreversible bone and tissue loss.

Pocket reduction surgery (also called flap surgery) is used to access and remove the tartar buildup. During this procedure, the gums are carefully pulled back, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the gums are then stitched back in place.

Treating Gum Recession: Tissue Grafting

Tissue grafting is used to restore the appearance of receding gums while helping to prevent further damage to the tooth and bone. Patients often undergo gum tissue grafting to treat severe gum disease or as part of other surgical procedures like dental implants. A gum graft is usually performed by taking healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth and attaching it to the receded areas. However, in some cases, donor tissue can be used.

Too Much Gum Tissue: Gingivectomy (Crown Lengthening)

In contrast to tissue grafting tit teat receding gums, crown lengthening is a gum surgery used to remove excess gum tissue. This procedure is most often used for cosmetic purposes, where a patient has a neutrally gummy simile, or in situations where gum disease has caused the gums to grow over the teeth.

Crown lengthening involves carefully removing very small areas of tissue to recontour the gum line to achieve the desired aesthetic results.

The Before and After of Gum Surgery in Toronto

Gum surgery is generally straightforward. A periodontist will numb the area with local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation may be offered to help the patient relax, though it’s usually not necessary. Most procedures can be completed in 1-2 hours and there’s little downtime; patients can drive themselves home afterward.

Post-surgery, mild swelling and discomfort are common but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Recovery includes following aftercare instructions, like avoiding hard foods and rinsing gently with a saltwater solution to prevent infection. People typically resume normal activities within a week or two.