Periodontal Flap Surgery

When advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, develops, the ligaments and bone tissue that surround your teeth are being destroyed, which could lead to tooth loss. If the disease has progressed far enough, our laser dentistry team might suggest periodontal flap surgery.

Flap surgery is today’s leading method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets or areas below the gum line where gum tissue has detached from the teeth. This results in an uncleanable space where harmful bacteria grows and causes painful inflammation. This bacteria can cause an array of problems including gum disease, structural damage, and possibly even systemic problems.

When periodontal pockets develop, the first step in treating them is usually cleaning and scaling them with a manual or ultrasonic instrument. If this isn’t effective, we turn to periodontal surgery. Flap surgery isn’t a cure for periodontal disease, but it makes it easier to maintain your gum health. Even if you’re prone to gum disease, proper professional treatment and regular care at home can help your teeth stay healthy for as long as possible.

The Goals of Flap Surgery

One major objective of flap surgery is to eliminate or reduce the pocket itself. To access it, a flap-like incision is made in the gum tissue. This removes diseased tissue from inside of the pocket and provides access to the teeth’s root surfaces for a thorough cleaning, which helps to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus. Afterwards, the flap is closed, sealing the area.

Another goal is to regenerate periodontal ligament and bone tissue, which may have been lost to disease. A variety of techniques may be used to accomplish this, including high-tech methods of bone grafting and use of chemicals referred to as growth factors. These approaches help restore gums to their normal form and function, promoting the healthy and secure anchoring of teeth.

The Flap Surgery Procedure

Flap surgery is typically done under dental anesthesia, sometimes accompanied by oral anti-anxiety medications; alternatively, it may be performed under intravenous conscious sedation. After anesthesia has taken effect, a small incision is made to separate the gums from the teeth. The outer gum tissue is gently folded back to give access to the roots and the supporting ligament and bone tissue.We’ll then remove the inflamed gum and clean the roots. Additionally, we’ll treat the area with antibiotics or other medications. Bone defects can be repaired with grafting material, and proper regeneration of the periodontal ligament can be encouraged by physical and chemical methods. Finally, the incision is closed and the procedure is completed.

Our cosmetic dental clinic in Egg Harbor is experienced in flap surgery, and we can restore your teeth to their healthy selves. Schedule an appointment with us today!