Sometimes, periodontal surgery may be needed to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. This type of surgery is commonly known as gum surgery.

The procedure aims to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:

• regrowing damaged bones and tissues
• preventing tooth loss
• reducing gum gaps between teeth, known as black triangles
• reshaping the jaw hone to lower the risk for bacterial growth in bone crevices
• eliminating bacteria and infection

In this article, we take a look at what people can expect from periodontal surgery, the conditions it can treat, and what the recovery time could be.

What conditions can gum surgery treat?

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis may require surgical treatment.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can cause gum redness, swelling, and bleeding. Most often, gingivitis occurs due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, and tartar buildup. Professional treatment can reverse the condition.

Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease in which gingivitis has worsened and advanced, leading to an inflammatory response that destroys bone and tissues.

During this inflammatory process, the gums begin to separate from the teeth. This causes spaces to develop, called pockets, which in turn trap bacteria and lead to infection.

As a result, tooth loss and bone damage can occur.