When Is Periodontal Surgery Necessary?

If deep gum pockets persist even after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be recommended. It becomes necessary when:

• Bacteria continue to accumulate deep beneath the gums
• Bone loss is accelerating around your teeth
• Teeth begin to feel loose, sensitive, or painful

Advanced periodontal care can prevent these issues from worsening and preserve your natural smile for years to come.

What Types of Periodontal Surgery Are Available?

We offer a range of periodontal procedures at our Kingsport office, all tailored to your unique diagnosis:

• Flap surgery to clean and reshape areas affected by deep pockets
• Gingivectomy to remove overgrown or inflamed gum tissue
• Bone grafting to rebuild areas of bone loss around the teeth
• LANAP® laser surgery for a minimally invasive gum surgery option
• Crown lengthening to expose more natural tooth structure
• Soft tissue grafting to cover exposed roots and reduce sensitivity

Each case is carefully reviewed by Dr. Till or Dr. Jenkins to determine the best surgical approach for your long-term health and comfort.

What Should I Expect During Periodontal Surgery?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and straightforward the process is. We begin by gently numbing your gums to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. Once anesthetized, we make small incisions to access the affected areas, remove inflamed tissue, clean the tooth roots, and reshape the bone when necessary.

At the end of your periodontal flap surgery, we place sutures to aid healing, many of which dissolve on their own. There may be sounds or pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel discomfort. Our goal is to make your experience as calm and relaxed as possible.

How Can I Prepare for Periodontal Surgery?

In most cases, no special preparation is needed. If you’re receiving sedation, we’ll give you simple pre-op instructions to follow. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and arranging transportation for your visit.

Whether you’re undergoing traditional or laser periodontal surgery, we’ll walk you through every step beforehand.

Can Periodontal Surgery Save My Natural Teeth?

Yes, that’s exactly what it’s designed to do. The goal of surgical gum treatment is to stabilize your oral health and give your natural teeth the best chance at long-term survival. In some cases, you may notice spaces or “black triangles” between teeth afterward due to the reduction of inflamed gum tissue.

These areas don’t impact function but do require diligent home care. With good hygiene and periodontal maintenance therapy, many patients keep their natural teeth for decades after treatment.

How Do I Care for My Mouth After Periodontal Surgery?

Healing well after gum surgery means following our care instructions closely. Here’s what to expect:

• Avoid brushing, flossing, or using a waterpik for a few days
• Use the medicated rinse we provide to keep the surgical site clean
• Eat soft foods and avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or sticky
• Avoid foods like popcorn, chips, or seeds that could disturb the area
• We’ll give you a full list of post-op instructions to take home

This routine helps ensure proper healing and protects your surgical results.

How Long Is Recovery After Gum Surgery?

Healing times vary depending on the procedure, but here’s a general timeline:

• Initial healing usually occurs within 7–10 days
• Full recovery may take 2–4 weeks
• Mild swelling or discomfort is normal and manageable with over-the-counter medication

For procedures like gum graft surgery or gum recession surgery, we’ll let you know if follow-up appointments or suture removal is needed.

What Foods Can I Eat After Periodontal Surgery?

To avoid irritation and promote healing, we recommend the following:

• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, applesauce, and smoothies
• Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for the first several days
• Stay hydrated and chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible

We’ll provide customized dietary guidelines based on the type of gingival surgery you receive.

What Are the Risks of Avoiding Periodontal Surgery?

Delaying treatment for advanced gum disease can have serious consequences, including:

• Ongoing bone loss around teeth
• Tooth mobility or eventual tooth loss
• Chronic inflammation, which may impact overall health
• Bad breath, gum bleeding, and pain

By addressing the problem early with periodontic surgery, you can avoid more invasive and costly treatments down the road.

What Is the Cost of Periodontal Surgery in Kingsport, TN?

The cost of periodontal surgery varies based on the complexity of your case, the number of teeth involved, and the procedures needed. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of treatment options and costs.

Most dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for medically necessary gum disease treatment, and we’re happy to help you navigate your benefits.

Why Choose Highlands Periodontics and Implant Dentistry?

When it comes to surgical periodontics in Kingsport, patients trust us because of our:

• Board-certified periodontists with advanced training
• One-on-one care that puts your needs first
• Use of modern technology like LANAP laser therapy and guided bone grafting
• Clean, calm office environment designed for your comfort
• Strong reputation across Kingsport and Colonial Heights for results and compassion

Whether you’re new to periodontal care or seeking a second opinion, you’re in good hands here.