Osseous surgery (gum pocket reduction surgery) is a dental procure to remove areas of bone infected by bacteria from periodontal gum disease.
Oral health is an important component of being healthy in general. Not only is having a clean mouth necessary for being able to eat comfortably and your appearance, it is also needed for reducing your risk of infection. If you have periodontal disease, the bacteria in your mouth can carry easily to other parts of your body, even to your heart and organs raising serious risks.
What is Osseous Surgery and Why is It Necessary?
If you are among those with periodontal disease, your gums, bones, and teeth are suffering and being destroyed. As a result, pockets begin to form around the teeth where it is most prevalent and can continue to spread to others. In a healthy mouth, the gums are snug against your teeth which prevents food and bacteria from reaching below the gum line.
However, the pockets that form as a result of periodontal disease become a breeding ground for infection. When the problem is first starting, you may be able to get into these troubled areas to remove debris. Over time this becomes difficult if not impossible. At this point it is difficult to reverse periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Though dental professionals can assist you in cleaning these pockets, you may need to have pocket depth reduction surgery in order to prevent infection and further damage. This will allow you to keep your mouth cleaner and healthier provided you maintain a good oral health routine, including regular dental cleanings.
The surgical procedure entails having all of the debris and bacteria removed from the pocket. The periodontist will fold the tissue away from your tooth in order to do this. While this area is exposed, the team may also smooth out any damaged bone tissue. Even small irregularities in the bone can become a place for bacteria to hide and grow.
Afterward, the doctor will remove excess gum tissue. Small stitches are then used to hold the gum in place and allow it to heal naturally. In some cases, a special type of dental bandage may also be used.
What Are the Risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with osseous gum surgery. Even with proper oral care, there is a chance that you will develop an infection in the area. Taking care of your mouth and performing proper aftercare will minimize this risk.
Additionally, the gum around treated teeth may recede more quickly than the rest of your gums. As a result, the teeth that had pocket reduction surgery will appear longer than the rest. However, if this occurs you can have them treated.
Other risks include an increased sensitivity to temperatures. You may need to use a straw when drinking cold beverages and avoid chewing very hot foods with those teeth. These teeth are also more susceptible to root based cavities. For this reason, it is vital that you maintain a high level of oral care.
Osseous Surgery – How Much Does It Cost?
The rates for this type of surgery can vary depending on where you live and the periodontist performing the procedure. It is likely that your dental insurance will cover it so you should check your policy to find out. There may be a co-pay in some instances.
If you do not have all of the money right now, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the office staff. Also, there are some types of medical credit that you can apply for. These can be beneficial in having vital procedures done so that you do not have to have all of the cash up front.
Are there Osseous Surgery Alternatives?
If your dental team is recommending periodontal osseous surgery, you probably do not have other options. The dentist or periodontist will attempt other forms of treatment prior to surgery. It is when these are not effective that they will suggest surgical intervention.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
Prior to having the surgery, you need to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. You need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Rinse well after eating to help remove any debris that may accumulate in the area.
You may also need to have scaling and root planning treatment applied to the tooth as well. This will be determined by your periodontist.
Proper Aftercare
Continue to brush and floss your teeth and use any prescription mouthwash that your dentist gives you. Use an ice pack to minimize swelling and take the full course of antibiotics that are prescribed to you. If you are given pain medications, do not drive while you are on them. Make sure that you develop life-long oral hygiene habits.
Make sure that you are using an effective antibacterial essential oil remedy for oral health. Killing and controlling periodontal bacteria cannot be overemphasized enough. Do it right away! Mouth bacteria may enter into your bloodstream.
Lifetime Maintenance for Good Oral Health
While the surgery will help to get your mouth in better condition, it is up to you to keep it that way. Visit your dentist regularly and keep your teeth clean. Watch for any signs of disease and discuss your concerns with your dentist.
Having osseous surgery is a necessary procedure at times to treat advanced periodontal disease. Maintain your oral health routine afterward so you reduce your risk of future troubles.