Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery, sometimes referred to as pocket reduction surgery or ‘flap’ surgery, refers to surgeries aimed at gaining access to the tooth roots to remove tartar and disease-causing bacteria.
Goals of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is used to reshape deformities and remove pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. It is a common and effective treatment of more advanced periodontal diseases. The ultimate goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets and create a healthy environment that is maintainable with good home care and routine dental visits. The specific goals of surgery include:
- Reducing Bacterial Spread:
Bacteria from periodontally involved teeth can spread to healthy areas of the mouth. Also, bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and contribute to other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. - Preventing Bone Loss:
The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level. - Facilitating Home Care:
As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.
What does the procedure entail?
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. First, Dr. Huber will release the gum tissue around the teeth. This allows access to the bone and roots of the teeth. After the roots have been thoroughly cleaned, bone regenerative materials may be used to rebuild lost bone. A few sutures will be placed to complete the procedure.