Does Osseous Surgery Work?
Periodontal disease is a condition that affects many adult patients, regardless of oral hygiene habits. Though it is true that periodontal disease is typically the result of poor oral hygiene, some patients may be genetically predisposed to periodontal issues while others may be on prescription medications that negatively affect oral health. In its early stages, periodontitis presents as gingivitis which is simply the inflammation of the gum tissue. Caught early, gingivitis is easily eradicated and any negative side effects are often reversible.
However, left untreated gingivitis will progress to periodontitis and further still to advanced periodontitis which is harder to treat and may have a negative impact on your oral health that is not easily reversed. There is a pocket between each tooth and the gum tissue which in healthy tissue, measures between zero and 3 millimeters. Patients with pocket depths greater than 5 millimeters may need to have periodontal treatment. Our gum pockets increase in depth when plaque and bacteria accumulate in the pocket and begin to cause gum recession and bone loss.
One of the first treatments used to treat periodontitis is a scaling and root planing. Sometimes called a deep cleaning, this treatment involves numbing the area being worked on so that your hygienist can clean deep below the gum line into the gum pocket to clear the infection, enabling your gum tissue to heal closer to the surface of the teeth.
When a scaling and root planing is not effective, your doctor may recommend osseous surgery to restore your jawbone and prevent further bone loss.
What is osseous surgery?
Osseous surgery, sometimes called a pocket reduction surgery, is a highly successful procedure performed by a periodontist which typically takes about two hours. During the procedure, the area being worked on will be numbed using a local anesthetic.
Once you are numb, the doctor will make a small incision at the gum line which they will fold back in order to access the damaged bone and tooth surfaces. The affected area is smooth and cleaned and if necessary, a bone graft will be placed. The gum tissue is then flapped back over the newly treated bone and sutured into place.
Does osseous surgery work?
It may sound daunting to learn that you need to have a gum surgery but osseous surgery is an effective and highly successful way to clear infection and prevent further bone loss. Without proper treatment, periodontal disease will eventually lead to extreme bone loss and tooth loss.
The best way to prevent the need for osseous surgery is with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Since some people are genetically predisposed to periodontal issues or have underlying medical conditions that affect the health of their teeth and gums, staying on top of your oral care is incredibly important to avoid unnecessary complications in the future.
If you suffer from gingivitis, be sure to see your dentist to prevent the progression of gum disease and learn how best to keep your mouth healthy.