Is Osseous Surgery Painful?

It is all too common for people to avoid scheduling a necessary procedure because they are anxious about the thought of having the procedure performed. This can be due to generalized anxiety, claustrophobia, as well as concern over wondering how painful the procedure will be. Although it is called osseous surgery dixon illinois, the fact is this is a very simple procedure and you will experience no pain whatsoever while the procedure is being performed thanks to the anesthetic that will be used prior to beginning the procedure.

After determining which type of anesthetic to use, your periodontist will administer one or more shots into your gums. You may feel a slight pinch on the first shot, but will likely not feel anything on the subsequent shots. After ensuring you are sufficiently numbed, the procedure can begin. If at any point you feel any discomfort, simply let your periodontist know and they can administer more anesthetic or increase your level of sedation if you are given Nitrous Oxide or IV sedation.

Once your procedure is complete, you will remain numb for some time. Once this wears off, you may begin to feel some mild discomfort in the area where the shot occurred, and perhaps a dull ache along the gum line where the gum was cut open.

To help minimize your pain and avoid risk of complications, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics and/or pain medication, which should be taken as prescribed. Though every patient is different, following these guidelines will significantly reduce your risk of complications:

  • 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

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 to develop. 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, which may include any of the following:

  • Antibiotics: The least invasive and least painful 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. This procedure is minimally invasive.
  • 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.

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