What is Osseous Surgery?

In a healthy mouth, the pockets between your gums and teeth should be approximately 2-3 millimeters in depth or less. If gum disease develops, these pockets begin to deepen, which makes it more difficult to clean using normal brushing and flossing methods. Unfortunately, gum disease that is not treated will only continue getting worse and the bacteria will begin to wear away at your gums and eventually your jawbone. When gum disease is allowed to progress, tooth loss may eventually occur. One of the most effective treatment options for advanced gum disease is osseous surgery.

Osseous Surgery Procedure

Osseous surgery is typically avoided if possible, and only after other treatment options for periodontal disease have been exhausted. During your initial examination, your periodontist will perform a thorough examination of your oral health and try to identify what underlying factor(s) are causing gum disease. They will also use a special probe to measure the depth of your pockets to determine the severity of your case. Once the underlying cause and severity of your case are determined, treatment options will be discussed. If gum disease is still in the early stages, it may be possible to correct the issue with antibiotic treatment or a scale and root planing procedure.

If these options have been attempted and proven to be ineffective, an appointment for osseous surgery will be scheduled. The procedure can typically be completed within two hours. First, your periodontist will use a local anesthetic to numb your gums, and if desired or necessary, administer dental sedation. Once you are numbed, they will make small incisions along your gumline, which allows them to fold your gums back and remove the bacteria. Once removed, any irregularly shaped or damaged bone is smoothed down, and if necessary, a bone graft and/or guided tissue regenerative membranes are placed. Following this, your gums are sewn back, and a dressing is placed over the surgical area to help control bleeding. The sutures will either naturally dissolve, or a follow up appointment will be scheduled within one week to remove them.

Aftercare Instructions following Osseous Surgery

Aftercare instructions will vary depending on the severity of your case, but most people are able to resume normal daily activities within a few days. Your periodontist may recommend following a modified diet and prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. While the risk of complications is small, in some cases osseous surgery can result in gum recession, bleeding, tooth sensitivity, and in very rare cases, tooth loss.

One of the biggest benefits of osseous surgery is that it has a very high success rate, though it is important to follow and pre- and post-operative instructions provided to you. It is especially important to avoid tobacco, foods or beverages that are high in sugars and starches, and to follow a good oral hygiene routine. Provided you brush and floss your teeth twice daily, eat a relatively healthy diet, and schedule regular cleanings at least every six months or with greater frequency for those more susceptible to periodontal disease, you should be able to avoid similar issues in the future.

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