What is gum surgery?
"Gum surgery" (periodontal surgery) covers several procedures that treat the gums and the bone around the teeth. At E&D Dental, the main reasons for it are:
- Flap surgery (pocket reduction): the gum is gently folded back so deep tartar can be removed under direct vision, irregular bone can be smoothed, and the gum is then repositioned to reduce pocket depth.
- Regenerative surgery: during flap surgery, bone graft material or a membrane is placed to encourage lost support to rebuild. This is explained on our gum and bone regeneration page.
- Crown lengthening: gum and sometimes bone are reshaped to expose more of a tooth, for example when a fracture or cavity extends below the gum line and a crown is needed.
- Gum contouring: trimming overgrown or uneven gum tissue that traps plaque.
When is gum surgery needed?
Surgery is not the first step for gum disease. We first complete scaling and root planing, then remeasure the gums after healing. Surgery may be suggested when:
- Pockets remain deep and keep bleeding despite deep cleaning and good home care
- Bone loss has an uneven, crater-like or angular shape that traps bacteria
- Tartar is lodged in areas between molar roots that instruments cannot reach blindly
- A tooth needs crown lengthening before it can be restored with a dental crown
When an alternative may be better
Surgery may not be advisable for heavy smokers, patients with poorly controlled diabetes, or teeth with very little remaining bone. For a tooth that is too loose to stabilize, extraction followed by replacement may be more predictable. If you have heart disease, take blood thinners or have other chronic conditions, we plan surgery with your medical history in mind and coordinate with your physician where appropriate. We will always tell you whether surgery is needed now or whether continued monitoring is reasonable.
How gum surgery is carried out at E&D Dental
- Re-evaluation and imaging. After deep cleaning, we re-chart pocket depths and use X-rays, or low-dose 3D CBCT where bone shape needs to be seen in detail.
- Consultation. Dr. Ryu Si-ho or our dental team explains the procedure, the expected benefit for each tooth, and the alternatives.
- Comfortable anesthesia. The area is numbed with the clinic's 3-step painless anesthesia system: topical numbing, Endo-Frost cold numbing, and a computer-controlled anesthesia device with electric-stimulation support. A patient vital-sign monitor can track blood pressure and heart rate throughout.
- The procedure. A small section of gum is lifted, roots and bone are cleaned and reshaped, and graft material is added if regeneration is planned.
- Closing. The gum is stitched into its new position. A smart sensor surgical light provides consistent illumination of the site.
- Follow-up. Stitches are usually removed after one to two weeks, and healing is reviewed over the following months.
All instruments are sterilized, and handpieces undergo UV-C sterilization between patients.
Recovery and aftercare
Most patients describe soreness and some swelling for a few days. Recovery tips:
- Use a cold pack on the cheek for short periods on the first day
- Eat soft, cool or lukewarm food and avoid chewing on the treated side
- Do not brush the stitched area until advised; use any prescribed mouthrinse instead
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and vigorous exercise for several days
- Take medication exactly as instructed
Where suitable, our TMJ physical therapy device, which is designed to reduce pain and inflammation and support tissue recovery, may be used after surgical procedures. Long-term results depend on careful home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits.
Risks and limitations
Possible effects include bleeding, swelling, infection, and increased sensitivity of exposed roots. Pocket reduction often leaves the gums sitting lower, so teeth can look longer and small gaps may appear between them. Results vary between individuals, and gum disease can return without ongoing maintenance.
Why patients in Sanbon and Gunpo choose E&D Dental for gum surgery
- A step-by-step approach: surgery is considered only after non-surgical care
- Safety measures for older patients and those with chronic conditions, including vital-sign monitoring
- Three-stage anesthesia designed to minimize discomfort
- Combined gum, implant and restorative care in one clinic
- Saturday morning hours and a location near Sanbon Station on Line 4
International residents can ask for help with English communication when booking. Speak with our team about whether gum surgery is appropriate for you.