Gum Surgery for Periodontitis??

I had it with anesthesia and it was fine. I went back to work the same day. The worst part was freaking out about it (which I did, too). Ask if they can use anesthesia - it's worth it.

my sister had it done, and my dentist is "watching" me because I will most likely need it too. My sister said the recovery was pretty bad. She was in a lot of pain. Sorry!

Hi T., I had this procedure down about 5 yrs ago. Don't want to scare you, but for me, this was worse than having a c-section....I had it done on a Friday, was out of commision that weekend, but went back to work on Monday w/stitches. I also had it done in stages. Received a prescription for vicodin and it was worth it. I'm not much for pills, but had to do it..anyways good luck, and when your in the chair - think happy thoughts - like Hawaii?

If you have always taken care of your teeth and gums, I would get a second opinion. Either a regular dentist or another perio. If you need the surgery, don't panic, it's not that bad. I have had it, and I didn't like it at all, but they have ways of getting it done quickly, and you are all numbed up. I think they did one side of my mouth in one appointment, and then I went back a week or two later for the other side. Good luck!

Have you heard of a laser gum surgery called periolase? I would suggest doing some research and maybe get a second opinion. While peridontal surgery can be very beneficial and preserve your teeth, there are some major drawbacks that don't happen with laser therapy. It is not inexpensive but if u look at it as a long term investment in your health I think the cost can be worth it.

So sorry to hear that, T.. I have just heard that it is very painful.
I was headed down that road until decided to eat more healthfully and take supplements. Could you ask him if you can see a nutritionist first? It is very important to take care of it because it can lead to other health issues.

Oh T.,
I had this done last summer and I really wish I had a second opinion before I had it done. I needed this surgery too. My gums were bad according to my dentist. I take excellent care of my teeth. I brush and floss twice a day and I go to the dentist every six months. I was even getting my teeth cleaned every three months but my gums were still bad. But I never really noticed any symptoms myself.

Anyways I had the surgery. It was a two part surgery. They did the left side first and a month later they did the right. The surgery itself wasn't bad. It was just annoying to have to sit there for 2 hours. They got me good and numb so I didn't feel a thing. Recovery was the hardest. You have to eat soft foods only and you can't brush your teeth until the stitches come out. I was super embarrased by my bad breath. I recovered well with the first surgery, like textbook. I didn't need pain meds except for ibuprofen. But my second surgery wasn't as easy. One of my stitches came out and I got an infection. I felt a lot more pain because of that.

I have to be honest it wasn't fun but I was told if I didn't do the surgery I would have serious problems in the future. I was rather ticked off when almost a year later my dentist informed me that I now have receeding gums and need to have them filled. I said, "Of course I do! You had them cut off!" I really think you should spend some money on s second opinion since this is quite a big procedure. I wish I had. Best wishes. :)

Well I need it too, so don't worry! A friend of mine had it done as well and yes, it can be painful. I think mouth stuff is worse not only b/c it hurts, but it's more mental...I mean you use your mouth for everything!

We are waiting to do mine however b/c my periodontist knows of a product that is awaiting FDA approval that is basically a material that can be used to cover the troubled area instead of using a piece of your own gum (probably taken from the roof of your mouth). She said that it's pretty cool and was studied at a reputable university and the recovery is better b/c they aren't cutting a chunk out of you first. So if yours is stable you want to ask him about it. If it is still receding then you probably will need to do it soon. Good luck!

Hi T. , I need to have this done as well and I am so scared. I have great teeth, never had a cavity my whole life so even the thought of numbing the area is scary to me. Anyways, I read all your responses and I am going to look into some of these ideas. I did ask about anesthesia but was told it was going to be $500 and he wasnt too keen on the idea. Made me feel like I was a baby, which I am. Good luck to you. Im going to check back to see if you get some more responses. Thanks for posting ... wishing us both the best.
T.

My husband has had this done several times and he takes great care of his teeth- brushes, flosses and uses the water-pic. The recovery from the surgery is painful. I would definitely explore alternatives such as the laser treatment mentioned by MJ. OR, my husband is going to try a treatment where they put an antibiotic gel in a tray and you wear the tray for 15-20 minutes (I think that's at the dentist, not at home). Not sure what it's called, or how many treatments are required; but for him, he will do just about anything not to have to go through the surgery again. I would explore the nn-invasive alternatives and do surgery only as a last resort in nothing else works.