1. Why do my gums bleed?

The vast majority of bleeding gums is caused by collection of bacterial plaque and calculus (tarter) on the teeth at or below the gum line. If these germs are not removed frequently or thoroughly enough, they will always cause gum disease, or gingivitis, which often shows up as bleeding gums. Gingivitis can lead to infection in the bone, and bone loss, called periodontitis, or “pyorrhea”.

2. Why did my dentist not tell me I had bone loss?

Changes in the bone around the teeth may occur suddenly. Detection of bone loss is made following a comprehensive clinical and x-ray examination. After analyzing the results of this exam, your dentist can then tell you of the condition of the bone around your teeth.

3. Where will the treatment take place?

Periodontal treatment is performed in the office, not in a hospital setting.

4. How many appointments will there be?

The time and number of appointments required to complete your care is determined by the condition to be treated. Once an exam is completed, a plan is developed and presented to the patient, with efficiency of time a priority.

5. Will I be awake?

Unlike with a general anesthetic, the patient under a conscious sedation maintains control over normal breathing, swallowing, and coughing reflexes. There is often a degree of amnesia, or forgetfulness, and a tendency to drift off into a shallow sleep associated with the medication.

6. How long does it take to heal?

Superficial healing of most procedures is stable at 2-4 weeks; deeper healing can take several months, though the patient is unaware of this occurring.

7. What can I eat?

The day of surgery, maintain a liquid diet. For the next 2 – 3 weeks, a soft diet with slow, deliberate chewing, avoiding the area(s) of surgery, if possible, is necessary for good healing.

8. When can I go back to work/school?

Most patients return to a normal work/school schedule within 24-48 hours after treatment. Certain procedures may require another day or tow of recovery before resuming the work/school routine.

9. Will surgery cure my gum disease forever?

No. Treatment is intended to restore health. Unless an effective personal and in-office preventive program is established after therapy, there is a risk of recurrence of infection.

10. Why doesn’t mouth wash make my breath smell better?

Most bad breath problems are caused by oral disease, usually deeper infection in the gums or bone. Mouth rinses cannot eliminate the disease-producing bacteria, and hence are of limited value in these cases.