Gum disease is a common — yet preventable — oral health condition that affects millions of adults. In its early stages, gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with non-invasive treatments like scaling and root planing or non-surgical gum care. But once the condition progresses to periodontitis, surgery becomes necessary to stop bone and tissue loss and protect your smile for the long term.
Full Smile Periodontics in Amarillo is led by a professional, experienced team that specializes in advanced techniques for treating complex periodontal issues in an effective, compassionate way. Whether you’re dealing with deep gum pockets, receding gums, or bone loss, our goal is to restore your oral health while keeping you comfortable every step of the way.
Don’t wait for gum disease to get worse. Call (806) 699-6111 or schedule your consultation online to start your treatment plan today.
What is Periodontal Surgery?
Periodontal surgery refers to a group of procedures used to treat advanced (moderate-to-severe) gum disease that can no longer be managed with non-surgical care alone. These surgical procedures focus on three goals:
- Removing infection hiding below the gumline
- Repairing damaged tissue and bone caused by the disease
- Restoring a healthy, strong foundation for your teeth and gums
Left untreated, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth mobility, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Periodontal surgery is often the most reliable way to halt that progression and preserve your natural teeth.
Types of Periodontal Surgery at Full Smile Periodontics
If you’re suffering from gum disease, Full Smile Periodontics can help. We offer a variety of surgical and minimally invasive options so we can recommend the treatment that’s best for your specific diagnosis and health goals.
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): This method involves gently lifting the gums to clean out deep pockets of plaque and bacteria along the tooth root. Reducing pocket depth eliminates infection and allows the gum tissue to reattach and heal properly.
- Regenerative Procedures: To reverse damage caused by gum disease and rebuild support for the teeth, we may use regenerative techniques involving bone grafts and other biocompatible materials that stimulate the body’s natural tissue and bone regeneration.
- Gum Grafting: In this procedure, healthy gum tissue is taken from another area of your mouth and used to rebuild areas where the gums have receded. Gum grafting improves the appearance of your smile while reducing tooth sensitivity, covering exposed roots, and preventing further gum recession.
- Crown Lengthening: During crown lengthening, we remove and reshape excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This removes bacteria hiding below the gumline and can also create a more balanced, symmetrical, “less gummy” smile.
For patients with more advanced disease, we also offer minimally invasive laser options, including LANAP and LAPIP, as well as laser periodontics and dental implants for patients who have already lost teeth to gum disease. Visit our full procedures page to explore all of your treatment options.
What to Expect: Consultation, Treatment, and Aftercare
Every periodontal treatment begins with an initial consultation, where Dr. Plata and her team will evaluate your gum health, take any necessary imaging, and determine the best course of action for your case. If it’s your first visit with us, you can expect a thorough exam and an open conversation about your treatment options before anything is decided.
During your procedure, you’ll be kept comfortable with local anesthesia (and sedation options, when appropriate). Afterward, you’ll receive a detailed set of aftercare instructions specific to your treatment. To protect your results long-term, patients should:
- Practice good daily oral hygiene
- Follow all aftercare and medication instructions closely
- Attend follow-up appointments at Full Smile Periodontics
- Continue with regular periodontal exams and cleanings going forward
You can review our current office protocols on our safety measures page, and if you were referred to us by your general dentist, visit our patient referral page for what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Surgery
Is Periodontal Surgery Painful?
Periodontal treatments are performed with local anesthesia to prevent discomfort during the procedure itself. Afterward, any residual soreness can typically be managed with prescribed medication, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ice packs. You’ll receive detailed instructions after treatment on how to manage discomfort and heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
How Do I Know If I Need Periodontal Surgery?
Common signs that you may need periodontal surgery include gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red, swollen, or receded, teeth that feel loose or shifting, and deep gum pockets identified during a periodontal exam. Not everyone with these symptoms needs surgery — many cases can be treated with non-surgical therapies first. The only way to know for certain is through a professional evaluation. If your general dentist has flagged signs of gum disease, or if you’re noticing any of these symptoms yourself, schedule a consultation so we can assess your gum health and recommend the right next step.
How Long Is Recovery From Periodontal Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Most patients experience initial healing within 1 to 2 weeks, with mild swelling or tenderness during the first few days that improves with prescribed care. Full tissue and bone regeneration from more involved procedures, such as grafting, can take several weeks to a few months. Dr. Plata will give you a personalized recovery timeline and follow-up schedule based on your specific treatment so you know exactly what to expect at each stage of healing.
Can Periodontal Surgery Save My Teeth?
Yes — in many cases, periodontal surgery is what makes it possible to save teeth that would otherwise be lost to advanced gum disease. By removing infection, reducing pocket depth, and rebuilding lost bone and tissue support, these procedures stabilize teeth and help prevent further deterioration. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better the chances of preserving your natural teeth long-term. If surgery isn’t enough to save a tooth, we also offer dental implants as a next step to restore your smile.
Choose Full Smile Periodontics for Periodontal Surgery in Amarillo
Don’t let your gum disease progress any further. It’s time to schedule an appointment at Full Smile Periodontics for a consultation on how we can help treat your gum disease and prevent further damage. Learn more about our team, read patient education on our blog, or reach out with any questions.
Ready to protect your smile? Call (806) 699-6111 or contact us online to schedule your periodontal consultation in Amarillo, TX.
Full Smile Periodontics
4515 Van Winkle Dr.
Amarillo, TX 79119