Osseous Surgery If you are suffering from advanced periodontal or gum disease, Dr. Lindsay might suggest osseous surgery. Osseous surgery, also referred to as pocket depth reduction, is usually recommended when non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing have failed to reduce the pocket depth around your teeth. Of course, we want to do everything we can to help you avoid surgery, but the best way to do that is to schedule an appointment today so that together we can identify any potential issues that pose a threat to your healthy smile. Periodontal pocket elimination surgery is the only mechanism to stop the progression of bone loss. In some cases, periodontal maintenance treatment can slow the progression. Periodontal DiseaseAccording to a 2009 study, 64.7 million American adults over the age of thirty have some form of periodontitis. Both gum disease and periodontitis are defined at their core as the spread of bacteria throughout the gums, causing inflammation and infection. If periodontal disease is not treated, then pathogens can spread to the enamel, gums, and even the alveolar bone below the teeth pockets. Osseous surgery becomes necessary when bacteria causes increasing pocket depth around your teeth by eating away at the soft and hard tissues in your mouth. The alveolar bone, teeth, and gums in health should have a tissue attachment to the root and bone. If the tissue is detached, bacteria will spread unchecked throughout the gums. The Surgical ProcessThe goal of osseous surgery is to reduce pockets, recontour compromised bone, and remove damaged tissue. Ideally, Dr. Lindsay will eliminate infection, remove decay, and prevent potential future damage that would occur if left untreated. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and the patient should experience little to no discomfort. Some anxious patients request mild sedation. There is minimal post-op soreness. The object is to minimize or eliminate pocket depth to provide access for daily maintenance by the patient and professional maintenance by the hygienist. What is bone grafting?Sometimes bone grafting is necessary. If it is, do not worry, the process is painless and predictably can regenerate new bone. Bone grafts are made from either synthetic, bovine, or human bone particles. These particles stimulate the patient's bone to grow onto grafted bone and replace it. This reduces pocket depth and makes maintenance more predictable. We will gently apply this particle mixture to the exposed alveolar bone, and then carefully suture the gums back together. Because the graft fools the body into thinking that the bone is broken, it facilitates growth and regeneration. A healthy jawbone is a foundation for a healthy smile. After the SurgeryDr. Lindsay will provide you with post-operative instructions that are specific to you that you will need to make sure to read thoroughly and follow closely. |
Our Convenient LocationJohn A. Lindsay and Raul A. Perez, Periodontics and Implantology2600 N. Military Trail Suite 310 Boca Raton, FL 33431-6315 |
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