Osseous surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can cause damage to the bones that support the teeth. During osseous surgery, the gum tissue is lifted away from the teeth, allowing one of the periodontists at Gainesville Periodontics to access and clean the affected bone and tissue to promote healing and lead to healthy gums.

Why Periodontists Prefer Osseous Surgery

Osseous surgery offers a range of benefits for patients with periodontitis, including:
Preservation of teeth: Osseous surgery can help preserve teeth that may otherwise be lost due to advanced gum disease.
Improved oral health: Osseous surgery can help improve the health of the gum tissue and prevent further damage to the bone that supports the teeth.
Reduced risk of tooth loss: By removing the infected tissue and cleaning the affected bone, osseous surgery can help reduce the risk of tooth loss in patients with periodontitis.

How Osseous Surgery Works

The osseous surgery procedure involves several steps depending on the severity of the patient’s periodontitis and the preference of the periodontist. Steps typically include:
Local anesthesia: The first step in the osseous surgery procedure is to administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area.
Incision: The periodontist will then make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the affected bone and tissue.
Flap creation: The gum tissue is then lifted away from the teeth and bone, creating a flap that allows the periodontist to access and clean the affected area.
Bone and tissue removal: The periodontist will then use specialized tools to remove the infected tissue and clean the diseased bone.
Bone reshaping: If necessary, the periodontist may reshape the bone to help promote proper healing and prevent further damage.
Flap repositioning: Once the affected bone and tissue have been cleaned and reshaped, the flap is repositioned and sutured back into place.
Recovery
Recovery from osseous surgery typically involves some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. Patients should also follow the periodontist’s instructions for post-operative care, including proper oral hygiene and follow-up appointments.
In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a few days of the procedure, although strenuous activity should be avoided for several days. Patients may also need to modify their diet during the initial healing period to avoid putting pressure on the affected area.

Considering osseous surgery?

Dr. Barclay and his team at Gainesville Periodontics would be happy to answer all your questions and find out of osseous surgery is right for you. Give our office a call today to schedule your appointment now!