Gum flap surgery may be necessary when, despite deep cleaning and medication, inflammation and pockets are still present. Healthy gums are attached to the neck of the teeth. As soon as the gums become inflamed and recede by at least 2 millimeters, we speak of gum pockets. If the gum pockets are not treated, they deepen, and periodontitis can develop. The reason for this is bacteria that accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth, in the spaces between the teeth, and on the gums. If these are not removed, inflammation, often purulent, develops. The gums recede, and gum pockets form.
To treat gum pockets, the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces are cleaned, and bacteria are removed. In the case of advanced gum recession, for example, in periodontitis, an operation is performed under local anesthesia. The gums are gently detached from the tooth so that plaque, bacteria, and affected tissue can be removed from the gum pockets.
Symptoms of inflamed gum pockets
The most common symptom of gum pockets is red and swollen gums. Teeth are sensitive to hot and cold drinks, foods, and sweets. Teeth and gums are very sensitive when brushing; they may hurt and even bleed. Affected people complain of strong and putrid bad breath, even with good oral hygiene.
Other symptoms may include loose teeth or heavy tartar. A swollen cheek or fever are also indicators of an infection. Inflammation can cause sinus tracts that cause pus to form on the gums. The throbbing of inflammation can also cause headaches.
Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of inflammation. Your dentist can determine if gum pockets have formed and how far they have progressed.
Osseous surgery is recommended when scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) fail to control periodontal disease, leaving deep pockets that cannot be effectively cleaned with non-surgical methods. It is also necessary when periodontal pockets become too deep, allowing bacteria to thrive and further damage the supporting structures of the teeth. Additionally, the procedure helps to reshape damaged bone, creating a healthier environment that prevents further bone loss and promotes better gum attachment.
What happens during osseous surgery?
During surgery, tartar deposits in deep pockets are removed, reducing their size and allowing the dentist, through periodic interventions, and the patient, through a daily home oral hygiene routine, to keep the area clean. The gums are lifted, and tartar is manually removed; at the end of the operation, the gums are sutured to reposition themselves firmly around the tooth. Reducing the depth of infected periodontal pockets and eliminating the bacteria present are important steps in preventing damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. Eliminating bacteria alone may not be enough to prevent the disease from returning. Deeper pockets are more difficult to clean for both the dentist and the patient – hence the need to monitor their depth.
In conclusion
If you have bad breath, bleeding or swollen gums, or pain in your gums with brushing, contact us right away and schedule an appointment for us to do an oral examination. These all could be signs that you may need osseous surgery. If left untreated, you could lose your tooth! Contact us today!