Periodontal flap surgery is an advanced periodontal therapy designed to address severe gum disease and deep periodontal pockets that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical treatments alone. By providing direct access to the tooth roots, underlying bone, and surrounding gum tissue, flap surgery allows a gum specialist to remove diseased tissue, reduce pocket depth, and restore periodontal health.
What Is Periodontal Flap Surgery?
Periodontal flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting the gum tissue away from the teeth to expose deep periodontal pockets and the underlying bone. This allows for thorough cleaning of the root surfaces, removal of inflamed or diseased tissue, and correction of irregular bone contours or bone defects caused by severe periodontitis (periodontal disease). In some cases, regenerative techniques such as bone grafting or growth factor application can be used to restore lost alveolar bone and connective tissue.
Candidates for Periodontal Flap Surgery
Patients who may benefit from periodontal flap surgery typically have severe gum conditions that cannot be managed with scaling and root planing or other non-surgical treatments. Specific indications for periodontal flap surgery include:
- to gain access to areas needing treatment that are not clearly visible.
- to eliminate or reduce the depth of periodontal pockets.
- to provide access for surgical tooth extractions, grafting, bone regeneration, crown lengthening and other therapies.
The Periodontal Flap Surgical Procedure
During periodontal flap surgery, the gum specialist makes precise incisions around the teeth to reflect a full-thickness flap. This exposes the root surfaces, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament for cleaning and treatment.
Diseased tissue is removed, and any necessary regenerative or osseous procedures are performed, including bone grafting or smoothing irregular bone contours. The flap is then repositioned and secured, sometimes with a periodontal dressing, to promote healing of the attached gingiva and gingival margin.
Recovery and Results From Periodontal Flap Surgery
Post-operative recovery after flap surgery typically involves managing mild discomfort, swelling, and bleeding while the gum tissue heals. Patients are often advised to eat soft foods, maintain meticulous oral hygiene, and follow the gum specialist’s instructions to prevent further infection or delayed healing.
Flap margins gradually reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and improving overall gum health. With proper care, patients can expect decreased inflammation, healthier gum tissue, and preservation of natural teeth, while also minimizing the risk of tooth loss, loose teeth, or additional bone loss.
Schedule a Periodontal Surgery Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms of severe gum disease, such as bleeding gums, deep periodontal pockets, or loose teeth, a consultation with a qualified gum specialist is essential. Early intervention and personalized care can prevent further bone loss, improve gum health, and protect your natural teeth for years to come; fill out the online contact form to get started.