“Do you need antibiotics after gum surgery?”

Antibiotics are one of the modern miracles of 20th Century medicine which nowadays we take for granted - until they no longer work due to the rise of super-resistant bacteria. Gum surgery is normally required when Periodontal ("Gum") disease damages the supporting bone which holds the teeth in place. When the gum disease is mild it can be treated non-surgically but I'm sure that you've been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease if you're having gum surgery. My accolades to you for proceeding with this tooth-saving procedure. As to whether you're in need of antibiotics: that would really be a discussion with your periodontic surgeon. In my general practice with gum surgery is performed I usually do NOT give antibiotic therapy unless the patient is immunocompromised. There are inherent risks in giving antibiotic therapy such as allergic responses and inviting super resistant bacteria to inhabit the healing site. Typically, post-operatively you are given access to pain medication and intraoral rinses to ease discomfort and discourage bacterial growth. You haven't mentioned if you are getting traditional gum surgery or are getting the newer laser-treatment therapies which I believe are the future of gum disease treatments. Both are equally effective in stopping gum disease in its tracks so don't have any consternation about your decision to have this procedure done. Speak to your gum surgeon about your inquiry and best wishes for a successful outcome.