OSSEOUS SURGERY

What Are The Benefits of Osseous Surgery?

At Periodontal Associates of Memphis, our skilled periodontists provide a wide range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments. In most cases, we recommend the least invasive option that is likely to yield high quality results. However, there are cases for which proven, traditional methods of surgical intervention are the best solution. Dr. Craddock and Dr. Godat help determine the best option for each patient based on the condition of their gums and level of periodontal disease.

What is Osseous Surgery?

Osseous surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat advanced periodontal disease. When gum pockets go almost all the way down the side of the tooth, and tartar and plaque have built up down each side of the tooth root, less invasive procedures may not enable your periodontist to remove all hidden bacteria and plaque. Osseous surgery allows the gums to be pulled away from the teeth and a complete cleaning to take place before the gums are reattached to the teeth surfaces.

Being able to access the entirety of each tooth’s root for cleaning, scaling, and planing permits more bacteria, plaque, and tartar (calculus) to be removed. Irregularities of the underlying bone can be made smooth, and gum tissue placed closer to bone and tooth surfaces to reduce the depths of gum pockets and help prevent periodontal disease from advancing.

What Is Involved In Osseous Surgery?

If needed, dental sedation can be requested to alleviate anxiety during osseous surgery.  Incisions are made around the teeth, and the gum tissue is pulled back slightly. All plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed, and bone irregularities are smoothed over. The gum tissue is puled closely around each tooth and sutured in place before a protective dressing is secured to cover the surgical area for the first few days of healing.

What Follow-Up Appointments Are Required
After Osseous Surgery?

Two to three weeks after surgery, a follow-up will be scheduled to remove any remaining sutures, evaluate healing, and review oral hygiene. Three months after surgery, a periodontal cleaning will be scheduled, and after that, a cleaning will be scheduled every three to four months.

Are There Drawbacks to Osseous Surgery?

By closing the space between the gums and the teeth, pockets will be reduced, and bacteria will have fewer places to hide. However, teeth may appear longer, and spaces between the teeth may appear larger. Gum recession (root exposure) is a common side effect of osseous surgery and can result in root sensitivity.

Cosmetically other treatment options may be considered depending on how the new gumline. An alternative to osseous surgery is the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), which typically results in less gum shrinkage and tooth sensitivity, and a more even look. However, for those for whom LANAP is not an option, osseous surgery may still be the best choice.

Contact us today for a consultation and find out whether osseous surgery or LANAP is the best choice for you.