Gingival Open flap surgery with or without osseous surgery for Periodontal disease
We provide the service of scaling and root planing in the office. Sometimes however, it is not enough. When your periodontal pocket is very deep such as 7-8mm, you will need periodontal surgery, not just a root planing and scaling.
When plaque builds up under the gums, it can cause inflammation and swelling. This creates an opening at the base of the teeth between the gum and the tooth and forms a periodontal pocket that leaves bacteria and food debris build up. Then, it becomes very difficult to clean your teeth. First, a periodontal evaluation is needed in order to know how much bone loss has occurred around each area of your teeth. Once all the data is collected, we can then establish a treatment plan that is right for you.
The reduction in periodontal pocket depth and eliminating existing bacteria are important to prevent damage caused by the progression of the disease and to help you restore healthy gums. It usually requires a scaling which is the removal of plaque and tartar accumulated on the teeth. Root planing is a technique to smooth the root of the teeth once the debris are removed.
More advanced cases may require surgical treatment. During a more extensive procedure, we eliminate pathogenic bacteria and irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where bacteria can hide. This will allow the gum tissue to better reattach to the healthy bone. And yes, we can do this procedure in our office if you are the right candidate.
Studies links periodontal disease to some other illnesses. Periodontal disease may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease contribute to atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries which can lead to its obstruction. Some studies establish links between the presence of gum disease in pregnant women and premature labor or underweight babies.
Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be up to 7 times more at risk to give birth to a premature or underweight baby. Finally, bleeding gums, bone loss, and an increase of pocket depths around the teeth may indicate diabetes. Diabetics are indeed at higher risk of suffering from periodontal disease.