FLAP SURGERY
Flap Surgery/ Gum Surgery/Gingival flap surgery
Periodontal disease is a severe gum disease that is caused by untreated plaque and tartar. The tartar, over time, causes loss of supporting tissues around the teeth.
Bacteria thrive in the plaque accumulated on the teeth and attack the bone around the teeth. The bacteria also destroy the fibers that connect the bone and the teeth. When the bone and fibers are destroyed, space or a pocket is formed between the gum and the teeth. This space leads to the formation of plaque retentive areas. If not treated early, it will result in bone destruction and teeth loss.
Healthy Gum Tissue versus Periodontal Disease
Why Flap Surgery for Periodontal Disease?
Flap surgery is used to eliminate the periodontal pockets that form over time when tartar/ calculus is left untreated. This surgical procedure is also used to smoothen and/or correct the defects of the bone surrounding the infected teeth.
Flap surgery is a simple procedure that is used to treat periodontal disease. Here is a step-by-step procedure:
- We use local anesthesia to numb the area of concern.
- We separate flap or pull the gum away from the infected teeth so that our dentists can clearly evaluate the amount of bone loss occurred and see how deep the tartar is deposited at the roots.
- We clear the hard tartar from the roots and remove the infected tissues from the bone. If left untreated, the infected tissues can advance the gum disease.
- We then use curettes to smoothen the root surfaces.
- We then correct the bone defects around your teeth. If the bone is corrected sufficiently and the root surface is cleaned, we stitch the separated gum back around the teeth.
Once the surgery is successfully performed, we give post-operative instructions for you to follow. Adhere to the instructions as this will lessen the discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Precautions after Flap Surgery
- Bleeding : In case you see some blood within 24 hours of flap surgery, do not panic. This is normal. Apply gentle pressure on the operated area using sterile cotton or wet gauze.
- Medication : Carefully take the medication as prescribed to lessen any discomfort and/or to prevent the infection. The medication also speeds up the healing process.
- Swelling: In case of swelling, apply ice packs to the operated area every 15 minutes for the first 4 hours after surgery. Some swelling is expected in the first 24 hours post-surgery.
- Surgical Dressing: If required, we may place a periodontal dressing over the operated area. Ideally, this dressing should be there for a week. You may see small pieces of this dressing falling off, but it is normal. However, if the dressing comes off within 3 days, we will use a new dressing. If there is no discomfort, we can remove the dressing or continue without dressing if it falls off. You can rinse the treated area with warm salt water until you visit the next time.
- Saltwater Rinse : Gently use salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to rinse the operated area. Rinse to keep bad odor away and feel fresh. Do not rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours of operation.
- Brushing : Do not brush your around your operated area for at least 5-6 days. If not, the brush may loosen the sutures. You can start brushing your teeth once the sutures are removed. To clean the operated area, massage with toothpaste and finger and mouthwash.
- Diet: Eat soft food for a few days. Ensure the food is at normal to cold temperatures. Avoid hot food and beverages for 2-3 days. Chew the food from the non-operated side.
- Daily Activities: You can continue with your everyday routine like going to work etc. However, avoid strenuous exercise for some days.
- Smoking & amp: Alcohol : Avoid the consumption of alcohol post-surgery for at least 2 days and avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks.
Latest Technology in Flap Surgery
As the field of dentistry is evolving, new techniques and materials are being used in periodontal surgery or gum surgery to benefit the patients.
REGENERATION is the latest technique of Flap Surgery. In the Regeneration procedure, the tissues that are lost due to periodontal disease are regenerated.
Hyderabad Smiles Advanced Dental Hospitals uses the following methods of Regeneration:
Bone Grafting Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
Is Flap Surgery a Permanent Treatment?
Flap surgery can treat and control periodontal disease and prevent further damage to the gums, teeth, and roots. However, periodontal disease, like other chronic diseases, cannot be cured permanently but requires continuous constant attention and care.
Go for regular check-ups to make sure there is no further tooth loss.
Cost of Periodontal Treatment
The cost of the periodontal treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease. At Hyderabad Smiles Advanced Dental Hospitals, our dentists first examine your teeth and investigate the damage. After the investigation, an estimate is given. If you agree to the cost, we then proceed with the treatment.
We recommend you get the gum disease treated at the earliest so that you suffer less damage.
Contact us now at (+91) 880 162 7272. to know more about gum disease and flap surgery.