Periodontal Surgery in
Eatontown & Howell, NJ


Periodontal Surgery

Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry provides periodontal surgery in Eatontown and Howell. Call us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.

When it comes to your oral health, your gums are just as important as your teeth. If plaque and calculus (tartar) are allowed to collect below the gumline, it can harbor bacteria that attacks the bone and soft tissue that support your teeth. Over time, the gums pull away from the roots of the teeth and periodontal pockets form. These pockets can become infected, leading to tissue and bone .  If enough support is eroded, tooth loss will occur.

Periodontal surgery—also known as osseous surgery or pocket depth reduction—is an effective treatment for gum disease. The gum tissue is folded back to allow access to the tooth root and bone. The exposed area is cleaned to remove infection, then smoothed to eliminate the surfaces where new plaque deposits can form. When needed, a regenerative membrane or bone graft can be placed to restore damaged tissue and bone. The gum is sutured back in place, minimizing the depth of the periodontal pockets to encourage healing.

Periodontal surgery is performed with local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Most patients recover from the surgery within a matter of days and in many cases, periodontal surgery successfully reverses periodontal disease and no further treatment is necessary. Typically, only ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is needed after the procedure. A periodontal maintenance program will be recommended to ensure your long-term oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Surgery


What is periodontal surgery and why is it done?


Periodontal surgery is a gum disease treatment performed to remove the infection around the teeth and correct the bone deformities that the infection caused. This will eliminate the periodontal pockets where bacteria collects.


Is periodontal surgery painful?


No, local anesthetic is used to make sure you are comfortable during periodontal surgery. Once this wears off in the hours after your procedure, you are likely to experience some soreness and sensitivity, but this can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication.


Do gums grow back after periodontal surgery?


If you’ve experienced gum recession due to periodontal disease, the lost gum tissue will not grow back, even after periodontal surgery treats your active infection. Once you have healed from periodontal surgery, you may be a candidate for gum grafts.


How long does it take to heal from periodontal surgery?


It usually takes one week for initial healing after periodontal surgery.


Do you need antibiotics after periodontal surgery?


Generally speaking, antibiotics are not required after periodontal surgery but will be prescribed depending on the procedure being performed and medical background.

Call us today to schedule your appointment.