Periodontal Surgery

When gum disease advances beyond what non-surgical treatment can control, periodontal surgery becomes the most effective path to stopping the infection and preserving the teeth and bone that remain. At Advanced Family Dental Kendall, Dr. Nelcy Triana evaluates each patient’s condition thoroughly before recommending surgery, ensuring that operative treatment is used only when it offers a clear benefit that conservative approaches cannot provide. With more than 30 years of clinical experience and a genuine commitment to patient comfort, Dr. Triana guides patients through surgical periodontal care with precision and care.

Advanced gum disease creates pockets between the teeth and gums that become too deep for scaling instruments or the patient’s own toothbrush to reach. Bacteria continue to colonize these spaces, driving progressive destruction of the bone and connective tissue that anchor the teeth. Periodontal surgery allows Dr. Triana to access the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone directly, removing calculus deposits and infected tissue,reshaping the bone when necessary, and closing the surgical site in a way that reduces pocket depth and makes the area easier to maintain going forward.

The most common form of periodontal surgery is flap surgery, also called osseous surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Triana gently reflects the gum tissue away from the teeth to gain direct access to the roots and bone. Calculus and bacterial deposits that could not be removed with non-surgical instruments are thoroughly cleaned from the root surfaces. If bone damage has created irregular contours that trap plaque and make thorough cleaning difficult, she smooths and reshapes the bone to eliminate those areas. The tissue is then repositioned and sutured in a way that reduces pocket depth and fits snugly around the teeth, creating a healthier environment that is easier to clean at home and at maintenance visits.

In cases where gum disease has caused significant bone loss, bone grafting may be combined with surgical debridement to encourage the body to regenerate some of the lost supporting tissue. Guided tissue regeneration, a technique that uses a membrane to direct the growth of bone and periodontal ligament cells rather than gum tissue into the surgical site, can sometimes partially restore what disease has destroyed. Dr. Triana discusses all applicable options with each patient so that treatment decisions are fully informed.

Most patients undergo a full course of scaling and root planing before surgery is considered. This non-surgical phase allows the tissue to respond and helps Dr. Triana assess which areas have not responded adequately. Presurgical planning includes updated 3D radiographs and a detailed clinical evaluation. Patients receive clear instructions on what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including guidance on diet, activity, and medications. Most periodontal surgeries are completed under local anesthesia, and the office can discuss additional comfort options for patients who experience dental anxiety.

The days following periodontal surgery typically involve some swelling and mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days and resume full oral hygiene once the tissue has healed sufficiently. The long-term success of periodontal surgery depends heavily on consistent maintenance visits and good daily home care. Patients who follow through with their prescribed periodontal maintenance schedule typically experience stable, lasting results that protect their teeth and bone for years.

The bilingual team at Advanced Family Dental Kendall is here to answer every question before, during, and after your care. If you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease or if a previous dentist has recommended periodontal surgery, contact the office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Triana.