Surgical Exposure

Dr. Clinton Falk and the CWF Periodontics and Implants team utilize this vital surgical exposure process to help expose impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, and aid in orthodontic treatments, using an orthodontic bracket to ensure better guidance. 

Understanding Surgical Exposure in Periodontics

The American Academy of Periodontology considers surgical exposure a critical procedure in periodontics. Surgical exposure in periodontics helps access a tooth or some bone for various dental treatments, including dealing with impacted teeth, lengthening a crown, or other periodontal care. It ensures that the permanent teeth and adjacent teeth are correctly guided into their position. This surgical exposure involves making a small cut in the gum tissue to reveal the impacted tooth or bone for treatment. During this procedure, Dr. Falk gently makes a flap in the gum tissue and moves it aside to show the area that needs treatment.

Why is Surgical Exposure Important for Dental Health?

Surgical exposure is vital for good dental health because it helps fix several dental problems. For example, when teeth are impacted, like wisdom teeth, surgical exposure can prevent problems, resulting in less pain and swelling and helping to protect nearby teeth.

Surgical exposure is also critical in crown lengthening, especially during periodontal surgery. This process uncovers more of the tooth by removing gum tissue or bone, which is necessary for placing a crown or doing other treatments. If a tooth needs a crown but sits below the gum and bone, surgical exposure raises it, making room for the crown and helping to ensure it is in the correct position.

Moreover, surgical exposure can help it grow into position, stop crowding, and help with alignment if a tooth isn’t in the right spot or fully coming in. Dealing with impacted teeth early through surgical exposure can make a big difference for long-term dental health.

How Surgical Exposure Supports Periodontal Treatment

Surgical exposure is very important in many of Dr. Falk’s periodontal treatments to manage different oral health issues. This process gives him access to the roots of teeth and the bones that support them. With this access, he can do deep cleaning, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.

By reaching these areas, Dr. Falk can remove infected tissue and bacteria from deep gums and bones, which can also help the growth of periodontal tissues. This complete method helps control periodontal disease and keeps the gums and support structures healthy.

The Process of Surgical Exposure at CWF Periodontics and Implants

The CWF Periodontics and Implants team uses a step-by-step method for surgical exposure procedures to get the best results for you. This thorough process helps us make accurate diagnoses, plan treatments, and focus on keeping you comfortable during every step. From your first visit to after the surgery, our skilled team is devoted to giving you excellent care and support and making your experience as easy as possible.

Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

Your path to a healthier smile starts with an early detection approach during your first meeting. In this meeting, Dr. Falk and the team will listen to your concerns, examine your medical and dental history closely, and perform a complete periodontal exam. This might include X-rays to check the condition of your teeth and determine the appropriate surgical technique if needed. We will also see the position of the tooth and the levels of the bone. From this complete check-up, we can see if surgical exposure is the proper treatment for you. If it is, we will review the procedure’s details, including the benefits, risks, and what to expect.

What Can I Expect from a Surgical Exposure Procedure?

Dr. Falk and the CWF Periodontics and Implant team will provide you with a thorough description of the surgical exposure procedure, which may involve anesthesia, incisions, and sutures. Our team is committed to ensuring you have the necessary information to feel comfortable with the process. 

Recovery time is usually short, and the chance of complications is low. Most importantly, our goal at CWF Periodontics and Implants is to improve your periodontal health.

Preparing for Surgical Exposure

Before the surgical exposure procedure at CWF Periodontics and Implants, our team will give you simple instructions on preparing for the best experience. Depending on your needs, these instructions may include:

• Good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep bacteria low in your mouth.
• Diet changes: You may need to avoid certain foods or drinks before the procedure.
• Medications: We might prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. We could also suggest changing how you take your current medications.

Following these tips will help make your surgical experience better.

Benefits of Surgical Exposure in Periodontal Therapy

Exposure has many benefits in periodontal therapy, helping to improve your oral health and function. This procedure lets Dr. Falk and the CWF Periodontal and Implant team treat areas that traditional methods cannot. As a result, it helps to treat gum disease better, save teeth, and enhance your smile’s appearance.

Better access allows our team to thoroughly clean teeth and nearby tissues, resulting in healthier gums over time. Also, by revealing more of the tooth, surgical exposure makes it easier to place dental work, like crowns and bridges.

Time to book your appointment?

Surgical exposure is critical for better dental health, especially in treating gum disease. If you have questions or are considering surgical exposure, our CWF Periodontics and Implants experts can provide personalized advice. Contact us at (210) 236-8672 or request an appointment online.