Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however. When it does not achieve periodontal health, periodontal surgery may be needed to heal all the isolated sites of deep pockets of infection in the tissues around your teeth.

Pocket Reduction Procedures

For this procedure, Dr. Orobitg or a periodontist he has referred you to, folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria before securing the tissue into place. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. This allows the gum tissue to better reattach to healthy bone.

Reducing pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease and to help you maintain a healthy smile.

Regenerative Procedures (Bone Grafts/Socket Preservation)

Bone grafts can be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.

There are many options to enhance support for your teeth and to restore your bone to a healthy level. A bone substitute material, freeze-dried demineralized bone and/or hydroxyapatite may be implanted. We will discuss your best options with you.

Soft Tissue (Gum) Grafts

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, we will take gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity or root decay.

Crown Lengthening

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.