Does Osseous Surgery Work?

One of the most effective treatment options for correcting advanced periodontal disease is osseous surgery rockford illinois, a safe and highly successful procedure that involves removing harmful bacteria and repairing any damage that has occurred to the bone. Although many people consider periodontal disease to not be that big of a deal due to how common it is, it is imperative to correct periodontal disease as quickly as possible. Doing so not only reduces your risk of developing oral health issues and/or losing a tooth or teeth, it also reduces your risk of developing other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more.

Many times, gum disease is allowed to progress to a severe degree because patients are anxious about visiting the dentist. Please know that if you have dental phobia and are avoiding scheduling necessary procedures like osseous surgery, dental sedation is available. There are several different types of sedation, all of which will help you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.

Once your procedure is complete, it is important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure you do not develop similar issues in the future. Though every patient is different, following these guidelines will significantly reduce your risk of complications and ensure the procedure is a success:

  • Do not use a straw or smoke until your mouth has completely healed
  • Follow a soft food diet for the first few days
  • Use a saltwater rinse the following day
  • Avoid intense physical activity for at least a few days
  • Manage swelling using ice packs

Alternatives to Osseous Surgery

Although it is highly effective, 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) is causing gum disease to develop. Once the underlying cause and severity of your case are determined, treatment options will be discussed, which may include any of the following:

  • Antibiotics: The least invasive treatment option, this approach uses oral or topical antibiotics and may be recommended for patients with a mild case of gum disease.
  • Scaling and root planing: For mild to moderate gum disease, a scaling and root planing procedure may be recommended, which removes the plaque and tartar with special tools followed by smoothing the exposed parts of the roots.
  • Bone grafting: Advanced gum disease can progress to the point of bone deterioration. Patients who have a missing tooth or teeth and want dental implants may require a bone graft first to restore enough density to adequately support the implant.
  • Soft tissue grafts: Gum recession is a common consequence of gum disease that can be corrected by stitching a soft tissue graft over the area of recession.

Avoiding Gum Disease

To ensure that you avoid needing similar procedures in the future and enjoy good oral health, follow these guidelines

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss daily
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste
  • Avoid all tobacco use
  • Eat a balanced and healthy diet
  • Schedule regular cleanings and examinations every six months, or with greater frequency if you are at an increased risk of gum disease

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