Gum Treatment
and Surgery
When plaque and calculus build up on your teeth, bacteria can get trapped, resulting in gum disease. For mild cases, improving your oral hygiene routine and coming for regular scaling and polishing can help to alleviate the condition. However, if your condition is severe, your dentist may suggest gum treatment or even gum surgery.
What is gum disease?
Gum infection (periodontitis) causes a pocket to form between the roots’ surface and the gums. Plaque and calculus get stuck inside these pockets, causing further infection and gum loss.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Healthy gums should be pink and firm. If you have gum disease, you may notice the following signs instead:
- Gums are red and swollen
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Receding gum line
- Permanent teeth becoming shakier
- Gums feel more tender, especially when eating or chewing
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus discharge
- New spaces developing between your teeth
Sometimes, gum disease may not present with noticeable symptoms. During your regular dental check-ups, your dentist will examine your gums more thoroughly for any signs of gum disease. To ensure your gums are healthy, come down to your nearest Advanced Dental clinic in Singapore for a check-up today!
What can I do to keep my gums healthy?
Healthy gums begin with healthy habits at home! Here are some tips you can follow to keep your gums in the pink of health.
- Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with a soft toothbrush
- Floss at least once a day
- Replace your tooth brush every 3 months to prevent bacterial build up and ensure that the bristles remain effective.
On top of these daily habits, you should also visit your dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up and cleaning.
What do I need to know about gum surgery?
Strong teeth are built on strong gums. Periodontal disease infects the gum causing inflammation, redness, swelling and loss of bone around surrounding teeth. There are several types of gum surgery, depending on the severity of your gum disease and the damage done. Here are the types of gum surgery:
- Gingival flap surgery
Gums are separated from the teeth for a deep cleaning, then stitched back into place around the teeth. Bone reshaping is sometimes required during the surgery.
- Gingivectomy
Excess and overgrown gum tissue is removed to improve aesthetics and to make it easier to keep the surface of the teeth clean.
- Gingivoplasty
Healthy gum tissue is reshaped for a more appealing aesthetic, sometimes in combination with a gum graft.
- Gum Graft
Tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and stitched into place on either side of a tooth that is exposed due to gums that are receding. This helps even the gum line and reduce sensitivity.
- Gum Regeneration
Gum tissue is folded back and bacteria is removed. The surgeon inserts bone grafts, membranes, or tissue- stimulating proteins to help the gum tissues regenerate around the teeth.
Pain Free Dentistry
For many, dental procedures have always been associated with pain. Pain is one of the main reasons why many patients avoid going to the dentist. At Advanced Dental, our dental experts are equipped to provide a pain-free experience with various anaesthetic options.
- Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide is administered through a custom nosepiece to produce a calming effect, reducing fear and anxiety, enabling patients to better tolerate injections or other potentially uncomfortable procedures. The effects wear off almost instantly once the procedure is done.
- Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is administered via an injectable to impart a numbing effect that lasts for up to 60 minutes. It is injected into the part of the mouth that requires treatment. Patients won't experience any sedation or altered consciousness from local anaesthesia.
- IV Sedation
For procedures longer or more complicated procedures, IV (Intra-venous) sedation is used to induce a state of deeper relaxation. It is carried out by a certified anaesthetist who will monitor the patient throughout the duration of the procedure.
- General Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered via an IV drip and it affects the entire body and produces a state of unconsciousness. This is used for lengthy, extensive oral surgeries that might cause more pain than local anaesthesia can address.
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Frequently Asked Questions