Gingival Flap Surgery
Benefits
• Your teeth will be cleaned of all plaque and tartar (calculus) from around your teeth assuring a good oral hygiene
• Increased stability of the teeth which were compromised by infection
• In cases of bone defects, the problem can be solved by a so-called osseous re-contouring procedure, which smoothes the edges of the bone using files
Who is this procedure for?
In general, gingival or periodontal flap surgery is used to treat gum disease. It can be successfully used for people with moderate or advanced periodontal disease, in situations where a previous non-surgical treatment, like scaling and planning for example, wasn’t successful in eliminating the gum infection. As mentioned, this procedure may be done in conjunction with another procedure known as osseous or bone surgery.
Who should not consider this procedure?
Utilization of this technique is not recommended for loose teeth where salvage is not desired, in teeth with severe oronasal fistulation, and in cases with osteomyelitis. Persons with serious health problems and undergoing medical treatments shouldn’t consider this procedure.
What happens before the procedure?
Before beginning the procedure, your doctor will determine whether your general health and your current medications allow this surgical procedure to be carried out. Then, if there will be no further complications, your periodontist will first begin to remove all plaque and tartar around your teeth in order to make sure your oral hygiene is good.
What happens during the procedure?
The surgery is performed under local anesthetic. After numbing the certain area, a scalpel will be used to separate the gums from the teeth and then fold them back in the form of a flap. Having now a good access to the roots and bone supporting the teeth, the inflamed tissue is removed. By scaling and root planning the plaque and tartar will be cleaned; bone defects will be eliminated, resulting in smooth edges of the bone. Then, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and anchored in place. A coating is applied over the teeth, serving as bandage, allowing eating soft foods after surgery.
What happens after the procedure?
Mild discomfort can be sensed after the procedure, but pain medication and antibiotic treatment is prescribed to control it and prevent any infection. Very important after the surgery is to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help your mouth to heal, by brushing your teeth gently. The treated teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold and some minor bleeding are common during the first 48 hours after the procedure. If swelling appears, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face in the treated area. Reexamination is done between 7-10 days from the procedure.
