Gum disease will most often respond to simple measures, such as improved home cleaning, hygienist treatment, and cleaning beneath the gum line (root planning).

When disease persists and despite these measures it is often as a result of tartar and debris beneath the gum line inaccessibly located between roots, in crevices in root surfaces, or between teeth. Simple gum surgery is designed to gain access to these areas for effective cleaning.

An incision is made around the teeth, allowing the gum to be lifted away so that access may be obtained to the tooth surfaces.

The roots of the teeth are then cleaned, and the gum replaced.

It is absolutely essential that scrupulous oral hygiene is then maintained.

Gum surgery may also be designed to alter the shape and contour of the gum so as to eliminate pockets, graft new tissues into deficient areas, or improve access for cleaning.

Smoking is a major risk factor for gum surgery. Gum surgery is often, but not always associated with recession of the gum, which is a normal part of healing of the swollen and inflamed or diseased tissues.