Periodontal disease refers to bacterial plaque and infections around the gum and tooth root. It can happen around one or several teeth. In its more advanced stages, surgery may be needed to fix damaged gums.
During flap surgery, the periodontist makes a small incision in the gum, pulls back the gum flap, cleans out the infected, plaque-filled pocket, and stitches the gums back in place.
This surgery is needed when:
This surgery slows the progression of periodontal disease by reducing deep pockets and bacterial growth. Periodontal disease can cause other health problems if not treated.
If you are planning to have periodontal surgery, your dentist will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
On the day of the surgery:
A local anesthetic will be used near the gum disease.
Your dentist may recommend conscious sedation. You will be awake, but will have no anxiety during the surgery.
This surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting. You do not need to stay overnight. If you are undergoing sedation, you will have an IV placed in your arm to deliver medicine. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored during and after the surgery.
The periodontist or dentist will numb the affected area using a local anesthetic delivered through a needle. He will make a small cut in the gum line near the tooth root. The gum flap will be pulled back, and he will clean out and scrape the infected area. The gum flap will be repositioned to minimize the deep pocket size that formed. The gum will be stitched back into place. A dressing will be applied.
The time it takes to complete the procedure depends on how bad the damage is and how many gum areas are affected.
You may feel mild discomfort while the dentist numbs the affected area or places an IV in your arm. You will not feel pain during the surgery. Medicines can help control pain and anxiety before, during, and after the procedure.
When you return home, do the following for 24 hours to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After arriving home, contact your dentist if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911 .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Periodontology
http://www.perio.org/
American Dental Association
http://ada.org/
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH)
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/ . Accessed April 19, 2010.
Carson De-Witt R. Periodontal disease. EBSCO Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16&topicID=1034 . Published September 1, 2009. Accessed April 21, 2010.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm . Accessed April 19, 2010.
Pre and postoperative instructions for periodontal surgery. Kathie L. Davis website. Available at: http://www.kldaviesperiodontist.com/images/WEB_PRE__AND_POST_OP_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf . Accessed April 19, 2010.
University of Maryland Medical Center. Periodontal disease. University of Maryland Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_procedures_treatment_of_periodontal_disease_000024_8.htm . Accessed April 19, 2010.
Last reviewed April 2010 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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