Periodontal Flap Surgery

Periodontal flap surgery is a dental procedure used to treat advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis. During this surgery, the dentist or periodontist makes small incisions in the gum tissue to create a "flap" that can be lifted away from the teeth and underlying bone. This allows for better access to the tooth roots and surrounding bone, enabling thorough cleaning and removal of tartar, plaque, and diseased tissue. Periodontal flap surgery can help save teeth that might otherwise be lost to advanced gum disease by reducing pocket depth, eliminating infection, and promoting the reattachment of healthy gum tissue to the teeth.

What To Expect

Before the Procedure

Before your periodontal flap surgery, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, including taking X-rays to assess bone loss. They will review your medical history and discuss any medications you're taking. You'll receive pre-surgery instructions, such as stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking, and arranging for someone to drive you home. Your dentist will explain the surgery and answer any questions.

During the Procedure

During the surgery, you'll receive local anesthesia to numb the area. The dentist will make small incisions in your gums to create flaps, which are then lifted to expose the roots of your teeth and surrounding bone. Diseased tissue, tartar, and plaque will be removed, and the bone may be reshaped if necessary. In some cases, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins might be used to encourage regeneration. Once the area is cleaned and treated, the gum flaps will be sutured back into place. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours per quadrant of your mouth.

After the Procedure

After the surgery, you can expect some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions, including pain management techniques and oral care guidelines. You may need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash, avoid brushing or flossing the surgical area for a short time, and stick to a soft diet. Cold compresses can reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain medications can help with discomfort.

Recovery

The initial recovery period lasts about 1-2 weeks, during which swelling and discomfort should gradually subside. You'll have follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor healing and remove any non-dissolving sutures. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two but should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. Full healing can take several weeks to a few months. Your dentist will guide you on resuming normal oral hygiene routines and may recommend additional treatments or lifestyle changes to maintain your long-term periodontal health.

Is Periodontal Flap Surgery Right For Me?

Dentists typically recommend periodontal flap surgery when non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing have not effectively managed gum disease issues. This usually occurs when the patient has deep periodontal pockets (5mm or more), significant bone loss, or persistent gum inflammation despite good oral hygiene. The dentist may also suggest this surgery if there's a risk of tooth loss due to advanced periodontitis or if the gum disease is affecting the patient's overall health. Candidates for periodontal flap surgery typically include:

• Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis
• Individuals who haven't responded well to non-surgical treatments
• Those with deep periodontal pockets (usually 5mm or deeper)
• Patients with significant bone loss around teeth
• People with persistent gum inflammation despite good oral hygiene
• Individuals at risk of tooth loss due to advanced gum disease
• Patients with exposed tooth roots due to gum recession
• Those with furcation involvement (bone loss between tooth roots)
• Individuals preparing for dental implants who need gum recontouring
• Patients with gum disease that's causing systemic health issues