Restore The Health Of Your Smile With Osseous Surgery!
What is Osseous Surgery?
Osseous surgery (or flap surgery) is performed on patients who have moderate or advanced periodontal disease. Typically, flap surgery is performed after scaling and root planing has been attempted but has not been successful in treating existing periodontal disease.
At West Valley Implant Dental Practice in Encino, CA, our talented and dedicated team will do everything in our power to heal your smile. We place unique emphasis on three particular areas of dental practice: periodontal disease treatment, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. Your oral health is vitally important to your overall health.
That’s why we first focus on healing any existing issues with your gums and support structures of your teeth. Without a healthy, sound foundation, restorations and cosmetic procedures won’t do you any good. Fortunately, once we’ve taken good care of your oral health, you’ll be ready for restorative and cosmetic options that can help give you your most beautiful smile yet.
Osseous Surgery in Encino, CA
Osseous surgery is usually performed when periodontal pockets around a tooth (or teeth) have not responded to other treatments. Also known as pocket depth reduction, this procedure is performed in order to create a clean environment around the tooth. The goal of osseous surgery is to reduce or eliminate periodontal pocketing and save existing teeth. Eliminating pockets around the teeth, or at the very least limiting pocket depth, limits the areas in which harmful bacteria can grow, live, and cause damage to your teeth and your gums.
Osseous surgery will often be performed when pocket depths have worsened over time or have not responded to other therapies. However, you should discuss with Dr. Penhaskashi what treatment is right for your gums and ask any questions you may have.
The Procedure
Before beginning the procedure, the area will be numbed using local anesthesia. An incision with a scalpel or lasers will then be made in the gum tissue around the treatment area. The gum is then minimally lifted away from the tooth and the underlying bone so that the dentist has minimal but adequate direct access to the area. The surface of the tooth is then thoroughly cleaned of any plaque or tartar buildup.
Next, the surface of the bone will be smoothed and stimulated. Bone grafting or application of biomaterial procedures are sometimes performed if defects in the bone need to be filled and regenerated.
After the Procedure
As with any dental procedure, you should be sure to follow your dental practitioner’s instructions very carefully. Dr. Penhaskashi and his team will ensure you have a good understanding of what needs to be done to ensure optimal results and recovery.
After osseous surgery, you may be prescribed pain medication. Stitches—if needed—will be removed in six to ten days unless dissolving stitches are used. About a month after surgery, an appointment should be scheduled to check on the healing of the area.
Since gum infection is removed during the procedure, the tooth may appear longer in the mouth because of soft tissue healing and receding. This may cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold which can typically be managed through the use of sensitivity toothpaste.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
Osseous surgery is a traditionally successful dental practice that has helped many patients over the years. After treatment, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your teeth and your smile are safe.
Don’t wait for gum disease to permanently damage your mouth. Get in touch with us today with any questions about osseous surgery with Dr. Penhaskashi or to schedule a consultation appointment.