Gum Flap Surgery: Advanced Periodontal Treatment

When patients come to our Englewood advanced dentistry and periodontal care center, they know they are meeting with skilled professionals who care about the health of their smiles. We emphasize prevention, early detection, and state-of-the-art treatment that helps restore wellness and improve the aesthetics of a smile.

We’d like to take a moment to consider gum flap surgery and why this may be used to treat gum disease rather than medications and less invasive therapies. It’s quite effective for serious periodontal health issues, and you’re about to learn why.

The Dangers Of Gum Disease

Gum disease can have a negative impact on your overall dental health, harming not just the gums themselves but your teeth and other parts of the mouth. In its early stages (gingivitis), gum disease can cause bleeding gums, discoloration of the gums, bad breath, and gum irritation. As gum disease progresses to later stages (periodontitis, advanced periodontitis), it can lead to gum recession, tooth decay below the gumline, misalignment of the teeth, tooth loss, and spread of infection.

In order to address serious gum disease and protect the teeth from harm, gum flap surgery can be performed.

Gum Flap Surgery vs. Root Planing And Scaling

Gum flap surgery involves root planing and scaling, but it goes a step further than this traditional deep cleaning procedure.

Root planing and scaling refers to the use of special tools to remove tartar and hard-to-reach plaque from the teeth along the root structure. The process will involve the removal of the tartar and plaque as well as the smoothing down of the tooth surface.

Gum flap surgery involve intentionally peeling part of the gum tissue back to access the tooth roots. Once exposed, a periodontist performs a root planing and scaling procedure and also fix any issues that affect the bone tissue around. This can help protect the teeth and bone from further harm linked to advanced gum disease.

Ideal Candidates For Gum Flap Surgery

Ideal candidates for gum flap surgery are people who suffer from advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that cannot be treated through antiseptic rinses and antibiotic medication alone. It’s also ideal for gum disease that is too severe for traditional root planing and scaling treatment.

Side Effects Of Gum Flap Surgery

Following gum flap surgery, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience bleeding of the gums, swelling around the treated area or areas, and some irritation as well. Be sure to follow all post-op instructions closely to deal with minor side effects. Attend follow-up visits as scheduled to have your healing professionally monitored.

Learn More About Your Dental Care Options

For more information about fum flap surgery and how it can help you have a healthier mouth, be sure to contact our advanced dental care team today. The team at Periodontal Associates is here to help you enhance your dental health and wellness.