Osseous Surgery | Dentology Dentists

Osseous surgery, also known as gingivectomy or pocket reduction surgery, encompasses a range of surgical procedures to eliminate tartar and harmful bacteria from the roots of teeth.

Objectives of Osseous Surgery

Osseous surgery primarily aims to rectify abnormalities and address the formation of pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. Typically employed to manage advanced stages of periodontal diseases, the procedure aims to reduce or eliminate periodontal pockets causing disease. Despite being a surgical intervention, many patients perceive it as less invasive than most other dental surgeries when deemed entirely successful.

The more specific goals of Osseous Surgery are:

To reduce bacterial spread:

The bacteria in the mouth can swiftly progress throughout the body, potentially leading to more severe, life-threatening conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. Removing tartar deeply embedded in the teeth can diminish the presence of harmful bacteria, significantly lowering the risk of its spread and thereby preventing further complications.

To prevent bone loss:

The inherent inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria can result in the loss of bone in the jaw and the eventual loss of teeth. Osseous surgery is designed to intervene and halt the periodontal disease before it progresses to a problematic stage, aiming to prevent further bone and tooth loss.

To augment your smile:

Mouths affected by periodontal disease may not present as attractively as healthy ones, with issues such as rotting teeth, ridge indentations, and discoloured gums diminishing the natural appeal of a smile. These concerns can lead to self-consciousness and a loss of confidence. By eliminating the majority of the bacteria causing these problems, osseous surgery aims to restore the smile to its former appearance, fostering a renewed sense of confidence and aesthetic appeal.

To facilitate home care:

When a gum pocket becomes excessively deep, thorough cleaning becomes challenging, potentially giving rise to additional issues. By reducing the size of these pockets, osseous surgery facilitates more effective home dental care, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and preventing potential problems before they can manifest.

What does osseous surgery encompass?

To initiate the surgery, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area. Dr. Gabrael will then make an incision around the tooth, exposing the affected region and separating the gum tissue from the bone. This provides access to the targeted part of the tooth, which is cleaned using a combination of a drill, hand tools, and scaling. The bone around the tooth may be adjusted or removed to enhance its natural movement. In cases of severe issues, bone grafting might be considered. After this phase, the gum tissue is repositioned over the remaining bone and sutured into place, with the area covered by a bandage. Following surgery, pain medication and mouth rinses with chlorhexidine are typically recommended.

Post-surgery, it’s not uncommon to experience bleeding or swelling, which can be effectively managed with an ice pack in the affected area. If issues persist, contacting our office is advised. Multiple follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and prevent infections.

Osseous surgery, also known as periodontal flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery, is a dental procedure performed to treat advanced periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. When left untreated, it can lead to the destruction of bone and other tissues surrounding the teeth, eventually resulting in tooth loss.

Osseous surgery aims to remove bacteria and tartar deposits from below the gum line and to reshape the damaged bone around the teeth. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

Initial Evaluation: Before recommending osseous surgery, a dentist or periodontist will evaluate the patient’s oral health, including taking X-rays to assess the extent of bone loss and measuring pocket depths (the space between the gums and teeth).
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area being treated, ensuring the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
Flap Creation: The dentist or periodontist makes small incisions in the gums to access the roots of the teeth and underlying bone.
Cleaning and Bone Reshaping: Using specialized instruments, the dentist or periodontist cleans the tooth roots and removes plaque, tartar, and diseased tissue from the pockets. They may also reshape the bone surrounding the teeth to eliminate irregularities that can harbor bacteria.
Closure: After cleaning and reshaping the bone, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place. This creates a snugger fit around the teeth, reducing the depth of the pockets and making it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate.
Healing: Following osseous surgery, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, which can usually be managed with pain medication and proper oral hygiene practices. Patients need to follow post-operative instructions provided by their dentist or periodontist to promote healing and prevent complications.

Osseous surgery is typically recommended for patients with advanced periodontal disease who have not responded to non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planning. While it can’t regenerate lost bone, osseous surgery can halt the progression of periodontal disease and help preserve the remaining bone and teeth. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups are crucial for long-term success following osseous surgery.

Osseus Surgery