Yes, osseous surgery (also called pocket reduction surgery) can be effective in treating deep periodontal pockets. However, success depends on several factors, including the severity of periodontal disease, the patient’s oral hygiene, and post-operative maintenance.
Oral exams will give your dentist the chance to understand if there is any gum disease present. In this way, they will be able to stop it in the beginning, before it progresses.
Don't worry, even if we find gum disease, we can find a solution. Osseous surgery is a surgical technique used to cleanse deep gingival pockets. A gum pocket is an abnormal space that forms between the tooth and the gums due to inflammation or periodontal disease. Normally, the gums attach tightly to the tooth, but when inflammation occurs (such as in gingivitis or periodontitis), the gum tissue can recede or pull away, creating a pocket where bacteria and plaque can accumulate.
Osseous surgery is a method of cleaning these pockets, during which the gums are lifted, and the tartar and dental calculous are removed from around the tooth and gums.
What happens during the procedure
- First, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. The specialist will also clean your teeth.
- The surgeon will then fold back the gums to form a flap so that he can access the area under the gums. The dentist then proceeds to clean out any pockets that have accumulated tartar.
- At the end of the surgery, the surgeon will fix the gums using stitches. In some cases, the stitches are absorbable and therefore “fall out on their own”. In others, however, the dentist will have to remove them approximately 7-10 days after surgery.
Pain and discomfort
If your dentist has referred you to a periodontist, you may be wondering whether gum surgery will cause you any particular pain.
After surgery, most people have only mild to moderate pain. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling may occur afterward. Your experienced surgeon will provide you with more specific information on how to manage any pain and swelling you may have.
How to care for your mouth after the procedure
Maintaining oral hygiene is especially important right after osseous surgery. We will give you complete instructions for your particular case, but in general, avoiding certain foods and drinks, avoiding smoking, and using a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial mouthwash will be recommended.
In conclusion
Periodontitis (gum disease) causes irreversible damage to the health of periodontal tissues, which are the tissues that support and sustain the tooth, and in the most advanced stages, it can cause tooth loss. Among the treatments currently available to control the outcomes of periodontal disease is osseous surgery. This procedure becomes necessary when deep teeth cleaning is not sufficient to obtain a reduction in the inflammation and bleeding indices or depth of periodontal pockets.
In general, the procedure is considered effective, but maintenance with regular dental cleanings and excellent oral hygiene is essential to prevent new infections. If you are considering this option, a periodontist can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation. Contact us today to find out more about this procedure and to schedule an appointment!