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After numbing the area very well, an incision is made in the gum to separate the gum from the tooth. This "flap" allows us to access to the plaque calculus deep in the pocket. |
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The rough sharp edges of the bone can be smoothed off. |
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The gum is then repositioned around the neck of the tooth and held in place with sutures. |
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When nonsurgical therapy fails to give adequate results we often recommend osseous or flap surgery. This procedure has been around for quite awhile and is very effective. Of course, techniques have improved making this tried and true procedure even more effective and comfortable. We often incorporate the bone grafting procedures with this technique. Basically this involves moving the gums away from the roots, carefully inspecting and treating root surfaces; addressing bone defects and closing the gums with dissolving stitches. This is typically accomplished in our office with local anesthesia. Patients typically return to full activity the following day.
To learn more about osseous surgery please visit http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm |