Surgery on my gums?

[fretboard]

I went to see a periodontist today after being told by my dentist that I have gum disease.  I was told that I should allow him to cut my gum line down so that I can reach the difficult to clean pockets in my mouth.  The reason I posted this question is b/c I really don't want to have that done and I'm wondering if anyone has had it done or if anyone has had a different treatment done.  Anyone who has had experience with gum disease can answer as I'd like to hear something.  

I asked him about a deep route cleaning/planing as I had that done a number of yrs ago and he said that he didn't think I would benefit.  I am definitely thinking about a second opinion but I'm more interested in alternative treatments as I know my gums are bad.  

[fretboard]

Yes, I will be getting a second opinion as I really think with all the laser treatments and injection type drugs like Arrestes (sic) there has to be an alternative.  I believe in preventative denistry but this problem was just identified.  It seems a bit premature to let some periodontist cut away at my gumline, at this point.  

I believe what he says about a root cleaning/planing not being of any benefit in my case but how about a deep root cleaning plus the injection of one of those industrial type disenfectants?  Anyone??  

[scottma]

what your dentist said was probably correct. In order to achieve long-term maintainability, intentional excision of gum may yield long-term benifit. However, if the procedure is perfomed on anterior teeth, cosmetically, it may not be acceptable to some patients. For cosmetic reason, interdental papilla may be preserved to trade off pocket reduction. Detailed consultation with your periodontist is advised. He or she is supposed to tell you what the gum would we like after surgical procedure, and address your concern to your priodontist.