Periodontal Surgery
Advanced Gum Treatment for a Stronger Foundation
When gum disease has progressed beyond what cleanings or medications can manage, periodontal surgery may be the next best step. At Aaron B. Carner, DMD, LLC, we offer advanced surgical care that’s focused on restoring gum health, stabilizing teeth, and protecting the bone that supports them — all in a calm, personalized setting.
.avif)
A Calm, Step-by-Step Approach to Surgical Care
Surgery might sound intimidating, but for many patients in Greenwood, Clinton, Coronaca, Cross Hill, and Mountville, it’s actually a key step in preserving natural teeth and avoiding more complex procedures down the road. Dr. Aaron B. Carner makes sure every patient feels informed, prepared, and supported at every stage of their care.
What Is Periodontal Surgery?
Periodontal surgery is a broad term that includes several procedures designed to treat advanced gum disease and its effects on the bone and tissue around your teeth. If your gums have pulled away from your teeth, or if deep pockets have formed that can’t be cleaned effectively with non-surgical therapy, surgery allows us to access and treat those areas directly.
Some of the surgical procedures we may recommend include:
- Pocket reduction surgery
Removes bacteria and reduces the depth of periodontal pockets to help gums reattach to the tooth. - Regenerative procedures
Encourages the regrowth of bone and tissue lost to disease using membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins. - Crown lengthening
In some cases, we may remove a small amount of gum tissue or bone to expose more of the tooth’s structure — often needed for restorative work.
All treatments are carefully customized to your specific needs.
When Is Periodontal Surgery Recommended?
Surgery is usually suggested when non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing haven’t been enough to reverse the effects of gum disease. It may also be necessary if:
- You have persistent deep pockets that trap bacteria
- Gum recession is putting your teeth at risk
- Bone loss is threatening tooth stability
- Infection keeps returning despite cleanings
Our goal is to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while creating a more stable, maintainable environment for long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is periodontal surgery painful?
We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, and we’ll discuss sedation options if needed. Post-surgery soreness is common but manageable, and we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to make recovery easier.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients feel better within a few days to a week, depending on the procedure. Healing continues over time, and we’ll monitor your progress closely during follow-up visits.
Will my gums grow back?
While gums don’t regenerate on their own, surgical treatments can help promote reattachment to the tooth and prevent further loss. In some cases, we may recommend gum grafting or regenerative procedures to rebuild what’s been lost.
How do I know if I need surgery versus non-surgical therapy?
If your gum pockets are too deep to clean with non-surgical methods, or if there’s bone loss involved, we may recommend surgery. We’ll review your X-rays, measurements, and history to make a recommendation you can feel confident in.
Does insurance cover periodontal surgery?
Many dental plans cover some or all of the cost, especially if the procedure is medically necessary. We’ll help you verify your benefits and offer financing options like CareCredit and Cherry if needed.
Your Path to Healthier Gums Starts Here
If gum disease has become more advanced, surgery may be the next step — and we’re here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let’s talk through your options and build a plan that works for you.
Call us at (864) 223-0543 or reach out through our contact form to request a consultation.