Does osseous surgery work?

If your gum tissue and the bones in your mouth are healthy, your teeth will fit snugly in your mouth. If you have periodontal disease, this gum tissue and bone loosens, forming pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets deepen if left untreated, collecting bacteria and eventually leading to tooth loss. Osseous surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, removes bacteria and deformities in the bone that surrounds the affected teeth, effectively treating periodontal disease. Osseous surgery, which is most often performed by a periodontist, also prevents gum disease from progressing by cleaning away tartar and bacteria that has built up behind the gums. Your periodontist will use a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area. Once the area is adequately numbed, the periodontist will determine the level of damage, including pocket depth and extent of bone loss. Then the periodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and pull the tissue away from the tooth to remove trapped tartar, plaque, and bacteria. The area is then thoroughly cleaned, and any misshapen or damaged bone is sculpted and repaired. Depending on the severity of damage to the bone, this may require a bone graft, or a tissue regeneration treatment. Smoothing and repairing the teeth that lie beneath the bone lessens the likelihood of future bacterial buildup and can therefore help prevent future gum disease progression.

To allow a smooth and timely healing process, be sure to follow any post-surgical care instructions provided by your dentist. If you want to maintain your oral health and preserve the existence and condition of your natural teeth, it is important to treat gum disease early and to maintain a healthy home care practice and healthy behaviors. Osseous surgery, like dental scaling and root planing, is an extremely effective treatment for gum disease, but without adequate after-care, you may find that your gum disease returns or worsens. This is not a result of the treatment, but a result of your inadequate maintenance or after-care. If you smoke or use tobacco, this can cause gum disease to recur or worsen following a treatment. Neglecting daily oral hygiene may also cause gum disease to recur. Like dental scaling and root planing, osseous surgery can return your mouth to a clean-slate state, but it is up to you to maintain this condition.

Not only can osseous surgery treatment help you maintain your smile, it can also help minimize certain conditions of the heart and respiratory system. Your body is an interconnected system, and, if your mouth is not working well, this is likely to eventually affect your body’s other systems and could lead to illness or disease. Osseous surgery is a minor procedure with few risks. Sedation may be available if you are exceedingly anxious about the procedure, though local anesthetic is sufficient for pain management. And, if you are anxious about the procedure, the best approach is to modify your oral health habits so that your gum disease doesn’t recur or progress. Preventive care can go a long way when it comes to gum disease, so be sure to see your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings, and don’t forget to brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. The health of your smile and your body depends on it.

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