At Derby City Dental Specialists in Kentucky, board-certified periodontist Dr. Clagett offers a highly individualized approach to treating gum disease for his patients. If your gum disease isn’t responding to the non-surgical option available, you may need gum surgery.
Dr. Clagett wants each of his patients to be fully informed about any procedure they plan to have, which is why this blog will specifically address what you can expect from gum surgery at Derby City Dental Specialists.
Gum Disease
Kentucky residents who have signs of gum disease should make an appointment to see Dr. Clagett for a consultation as soon as possible. Symptoms of gum disease or periodontitis are:
- Bad breath
- Toothache
- Bright red gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tender gums
- Tooth loss
- Swelling
- Bleeding
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, Dr. Clagett will first begin your treatment with a non-surgical option called scaling and root planing. If your gums do not respond to this non-surgical option, Dr. Clagett may recommend gum surgery to resolve your gum infection.
Dr. Clagett’s Approach to Treatment with Gum Surgery
To begin your gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will first numb your teeth in order to desensitize the area to be treated. He uses advanced techniques, technology, and skills that create a manageable and comfortable experience, but if needed, Dr. Clagett can provide dental sedation to help with any anxiety you have.
Your specific treatment plan will be dependent upon the severity of your gum disease, but gum surgery typically falls into one of two categories:
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)
With this gum surgery option, Dr. Clagett will utilize a special laser device to remove the bacteria that have attached to the surface of your teeth and beneath your gums. The amazing thing about LANAP gum surgery is that the laser energy is designed to target just the bacteria and diseased tissue so the healthy tissue will not be damaged.
It’s important that Kentucky patients take time and care to allow their gums to heal properly after gum surgery. But don’t worry. Dr. Clagett will give you very specific post-op instructions after your surgery is completed. Be careful to follow these instructions to a “T” to ensure full success from your gum surgery.
After your healing period, Dr. Clagett recommends visiting his Kentucky office every three months for a thorough tooth cleaning and a check-up so he can ensure your gums remain healthy.
Traditional Gum Surgery
Most patients are great candidates for LANAP gum surgery, but in some cases, Dr. Clagett may recommend traditional gum surgery instead. Kentucky patients who need traditional gum surgery usually have gum disease in an isolated area where other gum-related concerns are present.
During traditional gum surgery, Dr. Clagett will:
- Numb the area to ensure your comfort.
- Surgically elevate the gums.
- Clear away the infection.
- Strengthen the teeth with replacement bone and growth factors.
Most patients’ gum disease can be resolved in a single gum surgery. Other times, multiple procedures will be required in order to resolve the disease properly. Your specific needs will be addressed during your gum surgery consultation, where an individualized treatment plan will be developed.
Read What Our Patients Have To Say
With years of experience providing his patients with amazing results through gum surgery, Dr. Clagett knows just how to handle your specific needs as well. Stop suffering in pain.
Browse through our testimonials to learn how our patients have successfully addressed and overcome their dental issues at Derby City Dental Specialists.
