An introduction to osseous surgery to fight gum disease in five FAQs
“Osseous” refers to bone. As periodontists, we appreciate the impact that the health of the supportive soft and hard tissues can have on the teeth and your overall oral health. Sometimes, when the bone in the jaw is eroded or threatened due to progressive gum disease, our specialists at the Periodontal Center of Georgia in Conyers must perform osseous surgery to repair the deep pockets between the teeth and gums. By doing so, healing is encouraged to stop the progression of disease and preserve natural tissues.
What are the pockets that form? And why are they so harmful?
Healthy gums are firm. They conform well to the teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, spaces form between the teeth and gums. Without treatment, gum disease causes these pockets or spaces to grow larger. Large periodontal pockets only make the situation worse because they tend to harbor harmful bacteria and plaque.
How does osseous surgery treat these pockets?
Our periodontists, Drs. Jean-Max Jean-Pierre and Robert Creager may recommend osseous surgery to reduce the size or depth of these destructive pockets. The roots of the teeth are generally accessed. Then, the surrounding bone is reshaped to eliminate bacteria from these pockets or spaces. As needed, more techniques or products may be introduced to the process to regenerate or rebuild lost tissues.
Do I need to prepare for osseous surgery?
Our specialists will discuss everything to expect at each stage of the process, including any adjustments you may need to make prior to your surgery. For instance, it is generally advised to avoid taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin). You should also avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages, as they can increase your risk of complications and interfere with the healing process.
What can I expect during surgery?
You will be fully numbed before we make an opening in the gums to access the underlying tooth structure and bone. So you won’t feel uncomfortable during treatment. If you are anxious or nervous about any treatments at our office, we are happy to also provide an array of relaxing sedation dentistry options. Once the root surfaces have been accessed, we thoroughly clean off the harmful bacterial plaque. Then, the bone that surrounds each tooth is smoothed and reshaped. This step helps to shrink the pockets and other damaged areas. If your jaw has sustained bone loss, at this point, we may trigger the regeneration process with procedures such as grafting – whereby bone from one part of your body or another source is applied to the treatment site to replace the lost tissue. Once the overlying soft tissue (gums) have been repositioned, the openings or incisions are closed.
What can I expect afterward?
Don’t worry if your mouth is tender and/or if you have some bleeding and swollen or bruised areas. These effects are normal and temporary. We can also advise on ways to ease any discomfort and support healthy and fast healing. For example, you should avoid eating hard or chewy foods and take antibacterial products and medications as directed by your periodontist.
While osseous surgery performed by our skilled specialists at the Periodontal Center of Georgia has a high success rate, it is essential to get into a healthy habit of consistently good oral care at home and professional care (regular checkups and dental cleanings). Call our office in Conyers, GA, today at (770) 767-0603. We welcome your specific questions!