Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Periodontal surgery

Consequences of no treatment

Deciding not to undergo treatment for a dental problem is always an option, although it may not be in your best interest.

Failure to treat periodontal disease may result in pain, swelling, loss of teeth, inability to chew effectively, digestive problems, change in contours and proportions of the face, jaw joint pain and dysfunction, and systemic health problems. A growing body of research supports a link between chronic periodontal disease and heart disease, peripheral blood vessel disease, strokes, poor control over blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, pre-term labor, intra-uterine growth restriction and low birth weight babies.

Teeth which have been decayed or broken below the gum level may have a low chance of being successfully restored to proper form, function and esthetics if a recommended crown lengthening surgery is not performed. The likelihood of decay developing under a new crown or filling in such cases is high. Periodontal attachment loss including bone loss may occur around the tooth near the deepest part of the crown or filling.

If the affected tooth would require multiple procedures to be saved (e.g. crown lenthening, endodontic treatment, core buildup, crown), and would have a questionable prognosis afterwards, consider any treatment options that may be available, including extraction of the tooth and replacement with a dental implant, fixed bridge, or removable partial denture.

Untreated gingival recession may result in tooth sensitivity and decayed tooth roots. Gums that continue to recede may result in bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually, loss of teeth.

Teeth which have been orthodontically rotated may return to their original orientation when orthodontic treatment ends, unless supracrestal fiberotomy is performed on them.

"High" frenum attachments which are not treated may result in gingival recession and failure of the adjacent teeth to move into proper position.

Failure to have guided tissue regeneration procedures when recommended frequently results in loss of the affected tooth (or teeth).

Failure to have bone grafting procedures performed when recommended may result in compromised restorative treatment. Implant dentistry may not be possible in such cases, and fixed bridgework may be cosmetically unappealing.