Periodontal Surgery

The following are some of the periodontal surgery options we offer right here at our Santa Ana practice:

Gum Grafts: Your gums serve as a barrier that helps protect and stabilize your teeth. Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, exposing the sensitive tooth roots, which increases your risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. Dr. Lacrampe may recommend a gum graft, which involves harvesting healthy tissue from a donor site, typically the roof of your mouth, and grafting it onto the affected areas. The procedure helps rebuild your receding gums, restore the gum line, and protect tooth placement and structure.

Gingivectomy: Gingivectomy is a soft tissue procedure designed to reshape the gums, removing excess or overgrown tissues. Dr. Lacrampe may recommend this procedure to treat some forms of periodontal disease or improve the appearance of a “gummy smile,” characterized by excess gum tissues leaving your teeth looking short or “boxy.” Gingivectomies are also needed at times to prepare teeth for restorations such as dental crowns.

Flap Tissue Surgery: This procedure helps treat advanced periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. It involves lifting a flap of your gum tissues to access and thoroughly clean the tooth root surfaces, removing plaque and tartar buildup, and smoothing the root surfaces. The flap is then sutured in place, promoting healing and reducing the depth of your periodontal pockets. Dr. Lacrampe may recommend flap tissue surgery when non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing are insufficient for controlling gum inflammation and infection.

Pocket Reduction Surgery: Like flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery is sometimes required to clean the spaces between the gums and teeth that may harbor harmful bacteria. It involves making an incision into the gum tissue to expose the tooth roots and bone to effectively clean the area and remove the disease-causing tartar and bacteria. The last step is securing the gums, often tighter around the teeth, which discourages further bacterial accumulation. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets, making it easier to keep the area clean and maintain good oral hygiene.

Tooth Root Exposure: Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, exposing more tooth structure and root surfaces. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of decay and tooth root damage, and aesthetic concerns. During the procedure, Dr. Lacrampe may use soft tissue grafting techniques to cover the exposed roots, protecting them and reducing sensitivity. Tooth root exposure surgery can enhance the appearance of your gum line and provide a healthier, more stable environment for your teeth.

Frenectomies: A tongue or lip tie can interfere with proper oral hygiene and lead to a host of complications, including gaps between the front teeth and alignment concerns. At Periodontics of Orange County, we offer frenectomies for patients ages 12 and up, usually to address orthodontic concerns. The procedure is designed to release the tongue or lip tie, improving the range of motion and enhancing your oral health.

Crown Lengthening: Dr. Lacrampe may recommend crown lengthening to reshape the gum and bone tissues and expose more of the tooth structure. It may be necessary when there isn’t sufficient tooth structure to accommodate a restoration, such as a dental crown. Crown lengthening is also used to correct “gummy smiles,” leaving you with a more balanced, symmetrical appearance while reducing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.