Periodontal Microsurgery

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What is Periodontal Microsurgery?

While certainly effective, traditional periodontal surgery can be invasive, leading to post-operative discomfort and prolonged recovery time. Microsurgery – made possible through the advent of the surgical microscope – is a revolutionary technique that refines and modifies conventional surgery for less invasive treatment. Dr. Andres R. Sanchez performs microsurgery at PerioWest in Eden Prairie, MN. As a result, our patients can enjoy faster healing and more aesthetically pleasing results.

Periodontal Microsurgery vs. Traditional Gum Surgery

Conventional gum surgery is performed through visualization with the naked eye. In order to complete treatment effectively, traditional tools – such as needles, scalpels, and sutures – are larger, and therefore create larger incisions. As a result, patients experience heightened bleeding, swelling, and discomfort following conventional gum surgery.

Conversely, because microsurgery is performed under a surgical microscope, the instruments utilized are significantly smaller. As a result, less trauma is inflicted on the oral tissues.

Exploring the Tools of Periodontal Microsurgery

Now that we have discussed the basic differences between traditional and microsurgery, we will explore the variations of instruments used. Some of the most common include:

  • Scalpels: On average, the conventional scalpel blade is about 12 millimeters wide. In contrast, the microsurgery scalpel blade is approximately 3 millimeters. A smaller blade allows for more precision and accuracy, resulting in less trauma to the oral soft tissues.
  • Needles and sutures: The sutures and needles used in microsurgery are approximately one-third of the size of their conventional counterparts. The thread is as thin as a human hair, but just as strong as traditional stitches.
  • Dental microscope: Magnification through a surgical microscope helps Dr. Sanchez visualize oral landmarks with unparalleled accuracy. Fine structures and details are made clearly visible, and Dr. Sanchez can adjust the focal length of the microscope while maintaining a comfortable working posture. Like an intraoral camera, a dental microscope can also capture images, which can be used for diagnosis and patient education.

Benefits of Periodontal Microsurgery

The world of dentistry is constantly changing as new advances are made. At PerioWest, we strive to evolve with these developments by investing in state-of-the-art technologies, such as our dental microscope. Periodontal microsurgery offers several benefits to our patients, including:

  • A more comfortable surgical experience: During microsurgery, both the doctor and the patient are more comfortable. Rather than leaning over the patient, Dr. Sanchez is able to work in a more natural, ergonomic position. As a result, most patients feel less claustrophobic while in the dental chair.
  • Fast recovery and minimal post-surgical discomfort: Because the instruments used in microsurgery are smaller compared to their traditional counterparts, the risk of soft tissue trauma is reduced significantly.
  • Optimal clinical results: Due to improved visual acuity, Dr. Sanchez can perform surgeries with magnification up to 20 times greater than the naked eye. The results are unmatched precision and accuracy.
Microscopy with Dr. Sanchez

PerioWest: The First Microsurgery-Centered Periodontal Practice in Minnesota

Left:
Microsurgery with Dr. Otto Zuhr from Munich, Germany

Right:
Dr. Sanchez with Drs. Pierpaolo Cortellini and Maurizio Tonetti in Florence, Italy

In addition to utilizing the latest technologies, Dr. Sanchez also stays up-to-date with the most recent methods and surgical techniques by attending continuing education courses. Trained by Drs. Pierpaolo Cortellini and Maurizio Tonetti in Florence, Italy, Dr. Sanchez is the first microsurgically-trained dentist in the state of Minnesota.

Contact PerioWest Today

To learn more about periodontal microsurgery, or to explore some of the advanced technology used at our practice, schedule a visit with Dr. Sanchez. After assessing the health of your teeth and gums, he can recommend appropriate treatment that will keep your smile looking and feeling great for years to come. Contact us online or give us a call at (952) 479-4705.

Microscopy with Dr. Sanchez