New York City Periodontal Therapy

Root Amputation

1. Severe alveolar bone loss around the root results in a probable division of the maxillary first molar.

2. A maxillary first molar with the root sectioned at the level of the division.

3. A maxillary first molar following a root amputation.

4. Removal of the ledge is accomplished by resecting it and a portion of the clinical crown after smoothing the junction where the root was removed.

Before

After

Frenectomy
A frenectomy is the surgical removal of a frenum in the mouth. A frenum is a fold of tissue that passes from the movable lip or cheek to the gum. A frenotomy is indicated when a frenum is positioned in such a way as to interfere with the normal alignment of teeth or results in pulling away of the gum from the tooth surface causing recession.

Pocket Reduction Procedures

During this procedure, your periodontist 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 maintain a healthy smile.

Gum pocket and defect before surgery

Gum retracted to access bone and root

Bone defects removed

Gum tissue sutured around tooth

Healed tooth

Flap Surgery
The periodontist separates the gum from the teeth creating a "flap" and accesses the infected pocket. The procedure aims to reduce pocket depth and increase the ability to maintain the remnant pockets clean.

Gingivectomy
This procedure is performed when gingival inflammation is present leading to an excess amount of gingiva around the teeth. This results in false pocket formation and the inability to keep them clean. The doctor surgically removes the top of the gingival margin to decrease the pocket depth.

Root Coverage
This procedure covers exposed roots and stops tissue recession. The transplanted tissue should be strong, protective, and natural-looking gingiva (gum). Compared to gingival augmentation, a root coverage procedure should also help prevent root decay, reduce root sensitivity, and improve appearance.

Before Root Coverage

After Root Coverage

Osseous (bone) surgery
This procedure is done to smooth shallow craters and defects in the bone due to mild or moderate bone loss.

Hemisection
Hemisection is a surgical procedure which involves removing only one root of a multi-rooted tooth, and may be required in one of the following situations:

Endodontic failure of an individual root which is not treatable
Bone loss around an individual root (periodontal disease)
These teeth usually do very well with one less root. Removing the front root of a lower second molar and using it as a bridge anchor (abutment) to replace a missing first molar, prevents the need for a partial denture or dental implant.

Endodontic failure resulting in surgical gum treatment

First molar with extensive bone loss

Wedge displaying exposure of the furcation

Hemisection

Maintenance of restoration of surgical gum treatment

Radiograph of hemisection

Maintenance of restoration

Radiograph of restoration

The information on this page about periodontis (gum disease) is offered by New York City dentist, Dr. Michael Iott. This information should not be considered formal dental advise about periodontal therapy (gum disease treatment). If you would like formal advice, please contact us today to schedule an appointment at our New York City, New York dental office. We offer gum treatment to patients across Manhattan and Queens, New York.

Surgical Gum Treatment

New York City Periodontal Therapy