Goals of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is used to reshape deformities and remove pockets in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth. It is a common necessity in effective treatment of more advanced periodontal diseases. The ultimate goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease. Despite the word “surgery” the procedure is reported to feel more like a thorough cleaning.
The specific goals of surgery include:
Reducing Bacterial Spread:
Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and cause other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and thereby bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
Preventing Bone Loss:
The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw region, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level.
Enhancing the Smile:
Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, osseous surgery can help reduce bacteria and disease and thereby restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time.
Facilitating Home Care:
As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.
What does the procedure entail?
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. First, Dr. Criveanu will gently separate around each tooth of the affected area to release the gum tissue from the bone. This allows proper access to the bone and roots of the teeth. After the roots have been thoroughly cleaned, the alveolar bone will be reshaped to allow for a physiologic architecture, but at a lower level. Bone grafting may also be necessary to fill in large defects.
Next, the gums will be placed back over the bone and sutured in place. Pain medication and mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine are generally prescribed following the surgery.
Do not be alarmed if bleeding and swelling occur after the surgery. If swelling occurs, it can be controlled by placing an ice pack on the outside of the affected area. In cases where the bleeding and swelling is in excess, it is advised that you call to notify our office. After every surgical procedure, there will be several follow up visits to ensure that you are healing well and no sings of infection arise.