Periodontal Surgery: The Gingival flap surgery
Periodontal Surgery
Gingival flap surgery is a part of the Periodontal Surgery in which the gum is separated from the teeth and folded back temporarily. This is done so that your dentist can reach out to the root of tooth and the bone.
Being a part of the Periodontal Surgery, Gingival flap surgery is used to treat gum disease. Patients who are suffering from moderate or advanced periodontitis are recommended this treatment procedure. Generally your periodontist will carry out procedures such as scaling and root planing before getting down to Gingival flap surgery. So the whole idea is that if the condition is cured with scaling and root planing then flap surgery won’t be required.
Periodontal Surgery – The procedure
To start off with the Gingival flap surgery your dentist will clean plaque and tartar from the areas around your teeth. He/She will also check your oral hygiene and evaluate your health. This is a part of the standard procedure so that you do not face any complications. The area is first made numb with a shot of anesthesia. After this your periodontist will remove the gum from teeth with the help of scalpel. After the removal the gum will be folded back like a flap; hence the name Gingival flap surgery. Once the gum is folded back it gives your dentist a clear access to the roots and bone which supports the teeth.
The infected tissue is removed and then your periodontal surgeon will perform a procedure called as scaling and root planing. This helps in cleaning plaque and tartar. Any visible bone defects will be removed by your periodontal surgeon. This procedure is called as osseous re-contouring and the edges of bone are smoothed out with the help of files.
Once all this is done gums will be placed back and stitched so that they can fit snugly with the teeth. Your periodontist will cover the treated area with a bandage called as periodontal pack or dressing. At the initial days you will feel slight discomfort because of the procedure and stitches. Generally surgeons will use stitches which get dissolved on their own or else you might have to visit your dentist within 10 days to get the stitches removed. It is extremely important for you to maintain healthy routine of proper dental habits. Keep your mouth clean. Your dentist will suggest you antibiotics and pain killers, make sure you take them as prescribed. In case you have some swelling then apply ice to the area.
Call your dentist in case there are some complications such as continuous bleeding.