PERIODONTAL SURGERY

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of infected tissue from the gums and reshaping of the bone underlying the gums.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gums; surrounding bone.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Prevention of the spread of gum infection.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Poor nutrition.
• Chronic illness.
• Recent illness such as upper respiratory infection.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Dentist or periodontist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility or dentist's or periodontist's office.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of the mouth.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia (sometimes) by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The diseased periodontal tissue is carefully cut free and removed.
• The bone under the gum is reshaped, if necessary.
• Special dressings are applied that control bleeding and hasten healing. Your dentist will remove or replace dressings 5 to 10 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. The affected gum tissue should heal and return to its normal pink color again in 2 to 3 weeks.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Do not disturb the dressing.
• Apply ice packs to relieve pain. Do this for 10 minutes at a time as often as needed for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Keep your teeth free of plaque (germs, food debris and saliva). Brush your teeth and use dental floss as directed by your dentist. Mouth irrigations also help to prevent plaque.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 2 days after returning home.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until healing occurs. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† The dressing becomes loose.

• You experience new symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting.
• Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
• Bleeding recurs 48 hours or longer after surgery.
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.