Q: Periodontal disease has loosened three of my lower front teeth. My dentist wants to do gum surgery in an effort to save them. I had laser surgery two years ago. My concern is that the surgery may fail and I will still have to do implants. I am afraid that there may not be enough bone left for the implants to be successful. My dentist had said there is a 50% chance the gum surgery will fail but is anxious to save my natural teeth if possible.
A: My specialty area as a Periodontist is in Laser Gum Surgery, so I can tell you we have many cases where we have splinted the lower front teeth, done LANAP, adjusted the occlusion, and placed the patient in a night guard appliance. However, there are a number of factors in the decision. Sometimes, it might be better to extract the lower front teeth. You would have to be seen clinically to determine the best course of treatment for your situation.
