Osseous surgery, also called periodontal (gum) pocket reduction surgery, is a procedure performed by a dentist to treat periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can cause symptoms such as red and swollen gums, bleeding when brushing your teeth, and gum recession. Osseous surgery focuses on reducing periodontal pockets to ensure a more beautiful smile. It can also be performed to eliminate the accumulation of bacteria.
Periodontal pocket: what is it?
Teeth are embedded in bone and surrounded by gums in our mouth. In a healthy mouth, there is not a large space between the bone and the gums, just a small groove. Once bacteria enter this groove and are not removed, they cause inflammation and later destruction of the bone that holds the tooth, leading to the deepening of this groove, forming what we call a periodontal pocket.
Therefore, a periodontal pocket is the deepening of the groove between the gum and bone, resulting from bone loss. A healthy mouth does not have a periodontal pocket, but an individual who does not clean their teeth properly and does not have dental care may develop a periodontal pocket.
To diagnose the presence of a periodontal pocket, the dentist uses an instrument called a periodontal probe, which can measure the size of the groove between the gum and the bone. A healthy groove will be no deeper than 3 mm, and a deeper groove will be considered a periodontal pocket, also known as periodontitis.
When periodontal disease is present, it is necessary to treat it, precisely with the aim of stopping the process and preventing the patient from losing teeth as bone loss progresses. Sometimes, it is necessary for the dentist to perform Osseous surgery to fix this problem with gum pockets.
In addition to the clinical examination, using a periodontal probe, the dentist may take X-rays of some teeth to observe their bone level.
Sometimes, due to local infection, there is the presence of pus in the periodontal pocket and, with a simple examination with a periodontal probe, it is possible that this secretion already leaves the oral cavity. Other times, the presence of pus or itching drains spontaneously. This clinical condition is called a periodontal abscess. In any case, it is also an acute condition that requires treatment.
One symptom reported by patients with periodontal pockets is bad breath. This occurs precisely because bacteria, saliva, and food debris accumulate inside the periodontal pockets, making them difficult to clean. This is, in most cases, the main symptom that leads patients to see a dentist.
Does Osseous surgery hurt?
It doesn't hurt because the dentist performs the procedure after applying local anesthesia. Therefore, the patient goes through the entire surgery without feeling any pain.
You might be a little uncomfortable after osseous surgery. If you are, simple, over-the-counter painkillers are generally enough to eliminate any discomfort you may feel. If you have more pain, you can talk to your dentist about this. Generally, you can have osseous surgery without fear of pain due to anesthesia and the availability of over-the-counter pain medication.
If you think you have gum pockets, contact us today for a thorough examination and we will determine if you need osseous surgery. If you do, don’t worry; it is a relatively painless procedure that will greatly enhance your oral health and thus, your smile!