If you have gum disease and you have tried all non-surgical methods of treatment to no avail, flap surgery may be the best option for you. Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the structures that support your teeth and lead to tooth loss. Your dentist can do a flap surgical procedure to stop the gum disease from progressing.

What Is Flap Surgery?

Flap surgery is a gum procedure where your periodontist separates your gums from your teeth. They fold back the gums to reach your tooth root and bone. Without the incision, they may not manage to remove the calculus-harboring deep plaque that can further advance gum disease.

Candidates for Flap Surgery

A flap procedure is ideal for individuals with periodontitis and moderate to severe gum disease. More so if the problem has not responded to other treatments. The surgery also benefits patients who have advanced periodontitis with symptoms such as:

• Bleeding and inflamed gums.
• Tooth mobility.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Severe gum recession.
• Persistent halitosis.
• Tooth loss.

Preparation

Flap surgery involves your dental hygienist or periodontist removing all the plaque and tartar on your teeth. They will need to make sure your oral hygiene is at its best. Your periodontist must evaluate the state of your health and any medication you are taking before you go for the procedure. Doing so is ideal so that they can decide whether it is safe to proceed with the surgery.

How Flap Surgery Happens

You will receive anesthesia to numb the treatment site. Your periodontist will then separate your gums from your teeth using a scalpel. They will do so by lifting and folding it back to form a flap. By doing that, they get direct access to the teeth roots and bones that support the teeth.

Your periodontist will remove any inflamed tissue in the holes of the bones and those between your teeth. They will then clean the plaque and tartar through root planing and scaling. They may eliminate any bone defects through osseous recontouring by smoothing the edges of the bone using rotating burs or files.

Finally, your periodontist will pack your folded gums against your teeth and then stitch them back in place. They may use stitches that can dissolve or ones that will need removal after a week or the time they recommend. Your specialist may also do a periodontal dressing or packing, where they cover the treatment site using a bandage.

Recovery

You are likely to experience some discomfort after the procedure. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or over-the-counter medicine. It is essential to remain relaxed after surgery. You can rinse your mouth with salt water during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

You will only need a few days to recover from the procedure. During this period, you can minimize swelling and pain using ice packs. Also, eat soft foods until you recover. It is also essential to avoid spitting, using a straw, and smoking until your gums heal. While good hygiene is ideal, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and the treated site to avoid irritation.

Once you heal from the surgery, your gums will return to being healthy and pink. You can prevent getting the disease again by brushing your teeth twice every day and using dental floss once daily.

For more on flap surgery, call Marine Park Periodontics and Implantology at (646) 863-4810 to reach our office in Brooklyn, New York.