Periodontal Flap Surgery: Treating Advanced Gum Disease
When advanced gum disease (periodontitis) develops, the ligaments and bone tissue supporting your teeth are destroyed, putting your teeth in danger. If the disease cannot be controlled by non-surgical treatments like cleaning and scaling, periodontal flap surgery may be your best option. Flap surgery is today’s leading method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets.
Periodontal pockets are areas below the gum line where gum tissue has detached from the teeth, creating an uncleansable space where harmful bacteria proliferate. These bacteria cause inflammation, leading to sensitivity, bleeding, pain, bone loss, and potentially systemic (whole-body) problems.
The Goals of Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is not a cure for periodontal disease, but it creates an environment that makes it much easier to maintain your periodontal health. The primary goals are:
- Pocket Elimination/Reduction: A flap-like incision is made in the gum tissue to gain access. Diseased tissue is removed, and the tooth roots are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). The flap is then closed to seal the area.
- Tissue Regeneration: The surgery may involve techniques to regenerate the periodontal ligament and bone tissue lost to the disease. This can include methods like bone grafting and the use of growth factors to promote the healthy and secure anchoring of teeth.
The Flap Surgery Procedure
Flap surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, sometimes with anti-anxiety medications or intravenous conscious sedation.
- After anesthesia takes effect, a small incision is made to separate the gums from the teeth, and the outer gum tissue is gently folded back (the “flap”).
- This provides clear access to the roots, supporting ligament, and bone tissue.
- The inflamed gum tissue is removed, and the tooth roots are cleaned. Antibiotics or other medications may be applied.
- Bone defects can be repaired with grafting material, and regeneration can be encouraged by physical and chemical methods.
- Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, completing the procedure.
Performed by an experienced hand, state-of-the-art flap surgery offers well-established benefits. It is often the treatment of choice for relieving periodontal disease and helping to maintain your oral health—and preserve your teeth.