Dental Procedure Articles

Dental implants have been around for some time, but have recently become more popular due to their natural appearance and functionality. However, there are still many misconceptions about the procedure and results. We’re here to bust the myths for you so you can make an educated decision about your oral health.   Myth: Dental implants are invasive Since dental implants are considered a surgical procedure, most patients assume it will be incredibly invasive. Although when the procedure was first introduced it was quite an invasive and lengthy process, we’ve come a long way. Fact: Dental implants are minimally invasive Thanks to modern technology, dental implant surgery is actually minimally invasive and requires only minor incisions in the gums. Unless you choose to be put under general anesthesia (see below), you will be kept awake during the procedure and will be able to go home shortly after the dentist is finished.   Myth: Dental implants are painful Surgery is often associated with pain. Therefore it’s not surprising that people are concerned about discomfort during and following a dental implant procedure. While it won’t be the most pleasant experience a patient has, it may not be as bad as you expect. Fact: Patients report a low amount of pain from dental implant surgery In truth, most patients experience minimal pain throughout the procedure and recovery process. During the dental implant surgery, you’ll have the option between local anesthesia, general anesthesia or sedation to numb the area and get you more relaxed. If you choose local anesthesia, you’ll likely feel some pressure, but most patients say it feels similar to a tooth extraction.  Following the procedure, you’ll be prescribed pain medication — or recommended an over-the-counter option — and given other instructions about how to manage any pain or discomfort during recovery.    Myth: Dental implants take a long time to heal The entire dental implant process takes several months, because the implants need to heal fully before the new artificial teeth are placed. When patients hear this, they often assume that this means they can’t eat certain foods or will experience pain that entire time.  Fact: Dental implants heal relatively quickly  Actually, the incision will heal within two weeks after surgery and you’ll be able to resume normal activities. Following your dentist’s instructions for after care, you can reduce this healing period. The implant post will continue to fuse with your jawbone — called osseointegration — but this doesn’t cause any discomfort and won’t disrupt your daily life.    Myth: Dental implants look and feel unnatural There’s a belief that dental implants will stick out or look fake amongst natural teeth. Further, patients are concerned they won’t be able to chew or speak normally with their new tooth or teeth.  Fact: Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth Prior to placing the new teeth, your dentist will match their color to the color of your surrounding teeth so they look completely natural. And not just that — because the implant fuses over time with your jawbone, they feel and function just like real teeth. In time, you won’t even notice a difference!   Myth: Dental implants will stain and discolor over time Natural teeth can get yellow or brown from sugar consumption, smoking, poor oral hygiene and more. You may think that since dental implants are made from artificial materials, they will also eventually lose their whiteness and shine. Fact: Dental implants will stay white with proper care Dental implants are stain resistant, making them less susceptible to yellowing or discoloration than natural teeth. But, just like with your real teeth, dental implants require regular brushing, flossing and professional cleaning to maintain their brightness.    Myth: Dental implants only last for ten years Somehow, it’s gotten into patients' minds that implants have a shelf life of ten years at most. This may be due to the fact that dental bridges and dentures, both of which can cause bone loss and decay over time, typically last about a decade.  Fact: Dental implants can last forever With proper oral care, dental implants are a permanent solution that will last a lifetime. Studies have shown the average lifespan of implants to be at least 25 years, with many reporting them to last 40 to 50 years.  This being said, it’s important to note the factors that may decrease the longevity of implants, including: Age Oral hygiene Teeth grinding Smoking Medical conditions Medications or treatments   Myth: Dental implants are too expensive Many people with missing, injured or decayed teeth shy away from dental implants for fear of how much it will cost. Since it’s a more intensive treatment than dentures or bridges, patients assume implant surgery is unaffordable.  Fact: Dental insurance can help cover the costs of dental implants Although dental implants come at a higher price tag than a dental bridge or dentures, they also last much longer and provide a bigger return on your investment. Additionally, if missing or damaged teeth are leading to further oral or general health problems, a dental implant procedure may be partially covered by dental insurance.  Spirit Dental offers patients dental plans that cover routine cleanings and exams, and that can help to reduce out-of-pocket costs for procedures like dental implants. Find your dental plan today!

Historically, patients with damaged teeth opted for treatments like crowns, bridges or dentures. While each is somewhat effective, none are very durable and tend to fall out and require replacement over time. Today, there is a lower maintenance, more permanent solution. Dental implants are an effective procedure for replacing teeth that allow people to function as they normally would, with the improved confidence a new smile brings. The basics Let’s start with the fundamental details about dental implants. What are dental implants? Dental implants are a method for replacing tooth roots and teeth that are missing, decaying, injured or damaged beyond repair. The new roots fuse into the jaw bone, serving as a strong foundation for either permanent or removable replacement teeth. How do dental implants work? The implants, typically made from either titanium or zirconium oxide, are surgically placed into the jaw bone. Over time, the surrounding bone heals tightly around the new root, acting as an anchor for new teeth. Since they essentially become new bones, dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. What types of dental implants exist? There are a handful of different types of dental implants. The type your dental professional recommends for you depends on the condition of your mouth and surrounding teeth and overall health: Endosteal dental implants are the most common type, where small titanium screws are placed in the jawbone. Subperiosteal dental implants are placed under the gums, and are used for patients who do not have a healthy enough jawbone to support the new roots.  Mini dental implants, also called narrow diameter implants, are smaller than the more common implants (about the size of a toothpick) and are mostly used to stabilize dentures.  Immediate load dental implants are also called Teeth in a DayⓇ as they involve the placement of a temporary tooth or teeth immediately following the placement of the implants. This is only recommended for patients who have enough natural bone to support immediate pressure on the jawbone.  All-on-4Ⓡ is an alternative procedure to a full set of dental implants, where four implants are placed in available bone with special abutments (metal part that serves as a base for a false tooth) for placing a set of temporary replacement teeth the same day. Once the tissues and bones heal, permanent teeth will replace the temporary set. Certain procedures may also need to be done prior to placing the dental implants to ensure the replacement roots and teeth are durable, including:   Bone augmentation restores and regenerates bone in the jaw with bone additives, in cases where the bone isn’t strong enough to support implants. Sinus lift adds bone below the sinus, in cases where missing upper back teeth cause bone deterioration. Ridge expansion applies bone graft material to a small space created along the top of the jaw, in cases where the jaw isn’t wide enough to support implants. Who is a good candidate for dental implants? Virtually any adult in good enough oral and general health to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery is a candidate for dental implants. This means having strong, healthy gum tissue and bone that are able to support the new roots and teeth. Certain patients, like those who smoke regularly, have a chronic disorder or have had radiation therapy to the head and neck area, will need an evaluation before being approved for dental implants. Speak to your general physician before committing to dental implant treatment, as they have unique visibility into your overall health and medical history. How successful are dental implants? While it depends on where the implants are placed, as well as the individual patient, dental implants can have a success rate of up to 98%. To increase the likelihood of success, it’s important to follow specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, as well as proper routine oral care, like regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash and dental visits. The procedure Next, let’s cover what you expect from a dental implant procedure and recovery.  How long does a dental implant procedure take? You’ll require a separate dental exam prior to the dental implant procedure, as well as follow-up appointments to confirm everything is healing properly. However, the actual implant placement process will likely take between one and two hours, depending on how many implants you are getting. Remember that once the implants are placed, you’ll have to wait several months for the bone to heal before getting your new permanent teeth. Are dental implants painful? As will any surgical procedure, you will experience some soreness after the dental implants are placed. The following are common post-op symptoms: Gum swelling Skin bruising  Pain at implant site Minor bleeding Your dentist will recommend or prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to take in the days afterward. Sticking to soft foods during the healing process will also help to reduce pain. How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery? After the initial surgery, it will take between one and two weeks for the gums to heal and symptoms to go away. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how to care for the surgery site and certain diet and activity restrictions during this time. However, the full recovery will be up to six months while the implant bonds together with your jawbone. This may feel like a lengthy process, but in the end you’ll have beautiful new teeth that will last forever. Cost and coverage With any medical procedure, patients want to know how much money they can expect to dole out. We’ve got the details below. How much do dental implants cost? A number of factors — location, dentist, implant materials, type of implant, prerequisite treatments — will impact the total cost of your dental implant procedure. On average, a single implant with an abutment and crown is about $5,000, but can be priced anywhere between $1,000 and $7,000. For a full set of dental implants, you can expect a bill in the tens of thousands. Does dental insurance cover implants? Because dental implants are typically considered an elective procedure, they won’t be covered by a basic dental insurance plan. However, in certain cases — for instance, if teeth are lost as a result of an accident — your plan may cover some or all of the costs. There are also dental insurance plans that offer more coverage and may help pay for implants. It’s important to take a look at the fine print of your plan if you’re not financially ready to shoulder the full price of dental implants. Get coverage for dental implants from Spirit Dental Do dental implants sound like the right treatment for you? Get a dental insurance quote from Spirit Dental to make sure you achieve the smile you want without paying thousands in out-of-pocket costs.

Individuals who have an overbite, or malocclusion, sometimes experience negative side effects — some physical, some emotional. A person may hide their smile out of self-consciousness, or have difficulty eating or speaking if the top teeth protrude significantly. There are several options for those looking to correct their overbite, and in more serious instances, your orthodontist may propose jaw surgery. Before you panic, we’ve got all the details you need to know about overbite surgery.   What is jaw surgery? Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, aims to correct jaw alignment issues by bringing the upper and lower teeth together. Done under general anesthesia, the surgery can include operating on both the upper and lower jaw, and potentially procedures done to straighten the chin.    Which type of jaw surgery is used for overbite correction? The procedure used for overbite correction is called mandibular osteotomy. In a mandibular osteotomy, the surgeon effectively causes a jaw fracture by cutting behind the teeth in the lower jaw. Next, the jawbone is pulled forward and kept in place with titanium screws or plates.  While it varies from case to case, jaw surgery is often done in conjunction with braces or other orthodontic treatment.   When is surgery needed for an overbite? While mild overbite can be treated through less invasive methods, severe symptoms may indicate the need for surgery, including: Speech problems Difficulty chewing Facial injury TMJ Gum disease and/or tooth decay Obstructive sleep apnea Cosmetic issues in the smile or facial structure As children are still growing and developing, this surgery is usually only recommended for adults. In most cases, if surgery is needed, your orthodontist will refer you to a surgeon to discuss the procedure and share their recommended treatment plan.    What can I expect from overbite surgery? Like any invasive operation, correcting an overbite with jaw surgery requires a certain level of preparation as well as a recovery process.    Preparing for jaw surgery Before surgery, your orthodontist and/or surgeon may strongly suggest starting the alignment process with braces or other aligners. Additionally, X-rays, measurements, and molds will likely be taken to plan postoperative positioning of the jaw as well as the predicted facial appearance.  Be sure to speak with your employer or school so you can sort out paid leave and medical leave (if applicable) well in advance. And the same goes for any help you might need to outsource or hire for, like having your home cleaned or someone to help transport kids to activities.  Finally, it’s important to manage your emotions and expectations for healing. Prepare for some swelling and discomfort, side effects from medications, limited physical activity and potential dramatic change in your appearance. Come to your pre-op appointments with questions, and don’t leave anything off the table. You should go into the operation feeling 100% confident in your decision.    During jaw surgery You will be put under anesthesia for jaw surgery to minimize pain. The maxillofacial surgeon will make cuts on the inside of your mouth to access the jaw without creating scars on the face. After making these cuts, the surgeon will move your jaw into the desired position.  Then, bone plates, screws, wires and/or rubber bands are affixed to the jaw bones to hold them in their new position. Where wiring the jaw shut after surgery used to be common, it’s typically not necessary, as the plates, screws and other materials tend to be strong enough to anchor everything in place.    Recovering from jaw surgery As much as you want to feel great immediately following surgery, healing will take some time. You’ll spend two to three days in the hospital and will be prescribed a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory to help with pain and swelling.  The average timeframe to reach full recovery is six to eight weeks, though the exact period of time depends on the patient and the specifics of the procedure. Fortunately, in less than a month following surgery, the worst symptoms should pass, including: Mild nausea (usually fades in the first few days) Bruising and swelling Pain and discomfort In the meantime, avoid hard, chewy and solid foods and stick to options like soft or mashed fruits and vegetables, soups and purees. You should also be able to return to your normal diet and everyday routine in about four weeks — but wait for the go ahead from your surgeon. While infection is unlikely, it’s important to attend any scheduled post-op visits to ensure everything is progressing as expected.   Overbite jaw surgery FAQs Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about jaw surgery below.   Is overbite surgery painful? While you won’t feel much during the procedure, you will have some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following. You’ll be prescribed medications to help manage pain, swelling and bruising.    How much is overbite surgery? Without insurance, the cost of jaw surgery can reach tens of thousands of dollars. However, if you’re enrolled in a dental insurance plan, you may be able to have some or all of the procedure covered. If your overbite is causing breathing difficulties or speech impairments, you’re more likely to have surgery covered.    Can you fix an overbite without surgery? If you have a less severe overbite or don’t want to go through the process of surgery, there are other treatment options available to help align teeth: Braces: Metal wires adhered to teeth with cement to shift and straight teeth over time. Invisalign: A series of clear plastic aligners worn to shift teeth position over time. Extraction: The process of removing a tooth to make room for others to move as desired. This procedure is typically performed for children with an overbite.   Is it worth fixing an overbite? Overbite can make a person insecure, but its effects go way beyond that. Overbites can cause long-term problems, not just for your teeth and gums but for your overall health. Fixing the problem may feel like a lot — financially, physically and emotionally — but in the long run, it’s well worth it. You’ll experience results like: Improved teeth function Improved sleep, chewing, swallowing and breathing Improved speech Improved facial structure Looking for a dental insurance plan to help you maintain your smile and correct an overbite? Check out available options and get a quote from Spirit Dental today.   

Modern dentistry is amazing because it offers patients multiple solutions that can repair damaged teeth or replace missing chompers. And dental prosthesis devices, in particular, can help you get your smile back, as well as help you speak and chew properly again.  Whether you need to fix or replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, your dentist might recommend a customized dental prosthesis that’s removable or permanent. But what are your choices? Check out the list below to learn about some of the main types of dental prosthesis devices that are available.  Dental prosthesis options Dentures Dentures might be what immediately come to mind when you think of products for replacing missing teeth. Designed to fit comfortably, this prosthesis will sit on the gums. And you can get partial dentures or full dentures, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced.   Removable dentures can be taken out of the mouth to be cleaned daily. On the other hand, if you go with fixed partial or full dentures, they’ll remain in your mouth because they’ll be attached to implants that have been set in the jaw. Your dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons between these options, and can also determine which one would be better for you based on the health of your mouth.   Dental Implant Unlike dentures that can be taken out of the mouth, a dental implant is designed to function like a real tooth. How is that possible? Basically, the implant is set into the jaw, and then a crown that looks like a tooth is placed on top. The result is a prosthesis that will be long-lasting and allow you to chew and speak without needing to worry about anything shifting out of place. Plus, you can keep your implant clean just like any other tooth by simply brushing and flossing daily.    One thing to keep in mind is that getting a dental implant requires multiple trips to the dentist to undergo the procedure in stages. This isn’t for everyone, so your dentist will determine if you’re the right type of patient for this prosthesis. And, even though implants do come with a host of benefits, they’re expensive, so having the right dental insurance may come in really handy if you decide that this is the best way to replace a missing tooth. Dental Crown When a tooth becomes severely damaged, such as when it’s cracked or chipped or a root canal is needed, a crown can be used to restore the look of the tooth, and to get it working like a natural tooth again.   Designed to last a long time, this dental prosthesis is placed after restorative work is done on your natural tooth, as the crown is applied to the part of the tooth that remains. You may have to go to the dentist for more than one appointment to get a custom crown. And once it’s permanently in place, you can brush and floss to keep it clean.    Dental Bridge Your dentist might recommend a dental bridge if you’re missing more than one tooth. However, this might also be a good solution if you only need one tooth replaced. Like other dental prostheses, this one is designed to look like natural teeth, and it may last a long time, especially if you brush and floss daily.   To permanently set a bridge in place, your dentist will anchor it to the teeth on each side of the gap where you’re missing pearly whites. Crowns will sit on the abutment teeth, while false teeth (a.k.a. pontics) will be in between the crowns. More than one appointment may be necessary because the anchor teeth need to be shaped so they’ll hold the crowns and bridge once it has been made to fit your mouth.  Veneers Veneers are different because they sit on the surface of your pearly whites. They’re thin and can transform the look of one or more teeth. Your dentist might recommend veneers if your chompers are discolored, cracked, or chipped. And you might even benefit from this prosthesis if there’s a gap between your teeth. Pretty neat!   To get a veneer, you might need to see the dentist multiple times. First, they’ll remove some of the enamel from the tooth that’s being restored. Then, a veneer that’s made for you will be cemented to the tooth so it will remain securely in place for a long time.    Dental insurance can help you afford dental prostheses! Isn’t it wonderful to have so many options that can replace damaged or lost teeth? Unfortunately, these procedures are usually expensive, so it may be difficult to pay for them out-of-pocket. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution: enroll in dental insurance!  If you want to take advantage of a dental prosthesis but you’re concerned about being able to afford it, consider signing up for Spirit Dental insurance. You can find plans that won’t break the bank and will give you coverage for everything from cleanings to implants. Then, you can work with your dentist to restore your smile and regain your confidence.  Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-prosthesis?c=1065957514863 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/which-dental-prosthesis-is-right-for-you https://shrewsburydentist.com/2016/10/q-and-a-what-are-dental-prosthetics/ https://www.ameritech.edu/blog/guide-dental-prosthetics/  https://www.familydental.com/library/8032/Fixedvs.RemovableDentures.html  https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/restorative/dentures/permanent/  https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-bridges 

A cavity is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the most common dental problems, right? Most people will end up with at least one cavity in their life. And, sometimes, patients don’t even know they have cavities until their dentist tells them! If you’ve been diagnosed with a cavity and it’s the first time you’ll be getting a filling, you might be nervous. That’s totally normal! But the good news is that this procedure isn’t complicated and doesn’t take much time. Keep reading to learn about cavity fillings and the procedure that your dentist will use to restore your pearly whites.  What are the different types of cavity fillings? There’s more than one type of filling your dentist can use to fix a cavity. The two most well-known are amalgam and composite, but other filling materials include ceramic, gold, and glass ionomer.   You can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option to pick the one that’s best for you. For instance, because of the way they look, amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings, but they’re actually made of several materials, including mercury, silver, copper, and tin. These fillings might last a long time, and they’re usually more affordable than other options. On the other hand, composite fillings, which are made of resin and glass, won’t be noticeable because your dentist will match the color of the filling to the rest of the tooth. However, they typically don’t last as long as amalgam, and they’ll likely be pricier.  What can you expect during a cavity filling procedure? Cavity fillings can be done in just a few steps, and it might take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on factors like the tooth that’s being worked on, the type of filling that’s used, and the size of the cavity.  Your dentist can ensure you won’t feel any pain by using a local anesthetic that will completely numb the area of your mouth that’s being worked on. Plus, if you’re really anxious, you can also ask your dentist about sedation options.  Here are the basic steps involved in filling a cavity: After numbing the gums with a special gel and injecting a local anesthetic into the gums, your dentist will ensure you don’t feel any sensation before using tools, such as a drill, to remove all of the decay from the tooth. Once all of the decay has been cleared away, the dentist will apply the filling. If you’re getting a composite filling, it may take a bit longer than amalgam because of the extra step of hardening the filling using a special light. Once the filling is in place, your dentist will make adjustments and polish it to be sure it fits comfortably and doesn’t affect your bite.  What happens after a cavity filling procedure? The anesthetic that was used to numb your mouth will gradually wear off after the procedure is complete. Then, you might feel totally fine or you might experience sensitivity or soreness, which might last a few days. Let your dentist know about your symptoms to be sure they’re normal. If necessary, they might recommend taking a pain relieving medication.  Your dentist will also give you any instructions you need to properly care for your teeth after a filling. For example, you might be told to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that was worked on for a certain period of time, or you might need to avoid certain types of foods and drinks.  If you experience pain after a filling or you develop other symptoms, such as fever, swelling, red gums, or extreme sensitivity, let your dentist know. Also, if discomfort persists after a filling, it might need to be adjusted further to make it fit better or there might be another problem that needs to be addressed. So, don’t be reluctant to contact your dentist! Note: Fillings don’t last forever. Unfortunately, they usually need to be replaced after several years. In addition to general wear that occurs over time, if decay develops in the same tooth again or if the filling is damaged in some way, it will need to be replaced.  Dental insurance can help make fillings more affordable! Taking awesome care of your teeth is the best way to avoid needing a filling in the first place. Brush and floss daily, and go for checkups at the dentist’s office to find out if you have any cavities, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.  The right dental insurance can help you afford trips to the dentist to have your chompers checked for decay and catch problems in their earliest stages. Plus, this insurance can also help cover the cost of fillings. Check out the many options available from Spirit to find the plan that’s right for you!       Sources: https://crest.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/cavities-tooth-decay/cavity-fillings-what-to-expect-types-problems https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cavity-filling https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/cavity-fillings-do-they-hurt  

If you’ve been told that you need to undergo gum surgery, you might be a little nervous—or very nervous—about what’s ahead. But, by having an understanding of what happens during this procedure, and what to expect after it, you can feel a bit more at ease. So, to give you a general overview of what’s involved in gum surgery, we’ve compiled some helpful information below.  When Is Gum Surgery Necessary? Typically, gum surgery might be required to treat gum disease when other, less invasive treatments haven’t worked or the disease has already progressed too far for other treatments to be effective.  Your dentist might recommend seeing a periodontist for gum surgery if gum disease has become so severe that tissues and bones around the gums have been impacted, or if the gums have separated from your teeth, leaving behind pockets where infections can develop.  It’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, such as scaling and root planing, as well as surgery, to restore the health of your gums. Without healthy gums, you risk losing your teeth!  There Are Different Types of Gum Surgery The type of gum surgery that you’ll need will depend on factors like how far the gum disease has progressed. Here is a list of some of the common procedures that your periodontist might prescribe: Flap Surgery – If you’ve developed deep pockets with plaque, tartar, and bacteria, the periodontist may recommend flap surgery, which is also known as pocket reduction. Basically, the surgeon will create an incision to lift your gums and deeply clean underneath them, as well as smooth the bone if needed. Then, to ensure your gums will no longer have pockets, they’ll be stitched so they can properly cover your teeth.  Bone or Tissue Graft – If the gum disease has advanced to the point that the bone around a tooth’s root has become damaged, a bone graft might be needed to add new bone to the area so you can reduce the risk of losing the tooth. On the other hand, if your gums are receding, your periodontist might use a tissue graft to replace tissue that’s been lost, and to cover a tooth’s roots if they’ve been exposed because of gum loss.   Guided Tissue Regeneration – If gum disease has caused the bone that supports a tooth to become severely damaged or destroyed, you might need a procedure known as regeneration. Your periodontist will start by folding back the gums and cleaning out any bacteria. Then, tissue-stimulating proteins, membranes, or a bone graft will be set in place to help ensure the gums won’t grow where there should be bone. The area is allowed to heal so that tissue and bone can regrow properly.  How to Prepare for, and Recover from, Gum Surgery Your periodontist will give you instructions on any steps you need to take before the procedure. Then, he or she might use a local anesthetic so you don’t feel anything during the gum surgery, or you might be partially or completely sedated. This helps ensure you’ll be comfortable from start to finish.  Once the procedure is complete, you’ll receive instructions on how to have a smooth recovery. You may also be given a prescription for pain medication to take at home while you heal. And, if you received stitches, your periodontist will also advise you on when to have them removed.  Keep in mind, too, that you might be required to eat only soft foods after you’ve undergone gum surgery. An antiseptic mouthwash may also be prescribed. Just be sure to follow your periodontist’s instructions closely to reduce the odds of complications while your mouth heals.  At follow-up appointments, your periodontist will examine your mouth to ensure everything is healing well. During these exams, discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, such as increased sensitivity, to be sure everything is normal and you don’t need additional care.     After your mouth has totally healed, your teeth and gums should look and feel better than they did before the procedure. At that point, it’s up to you to follow a strict oral hygiene routine at home, and to continue receiving professional level care. Doing so may help you avoid developing the same gum issues in the future.  Make Gum Surgery More Affordable with the Right Dental Insurance! Gum surgery can certainly be stressful, not only on your mind, but also on your wallet. To help ease your fears about out-of-pocket costs, consider enrolling in a high-quality, reliable dental insurance plan like one of the many options offered by Spirit Dental.  With the right coverage, you’ll be able to afford gum treatments so you can maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. And you also won’t ever need to miss out on professional cleanings (you can get three cleanings per year with Spirit!), which can also help keep gingivitis and gum disease at bay.   Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321168#types-of-surgery https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gums/gum-surgery-types-what-to-expect https://www.periojackson.com/periodontal-care/flap-procedure https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw146255 https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-disease-treatments https://sdperio.com/gum-surgery-explained/ https://www.perio.org