Dr. Bradley Dean is a leading Plano area dentist for oral surgery and implant dentistry. His advanced training in periodontics provides the foundation for comprehensive care that can restore the health and function of your smile. Dr. Dean offers surgical treatment options to address complex dental problems related to the health of the gums.
During your consultation, Dr. Dean will use advanced digital imagery to evaluate the condition of the teeth, gums, and underlying bone and soft tissues. In some cases, bone grafting may also be recommended to fully restore the stability of your oral health.
What is Osseous Surgery?
In some cases, when the gum pocket does not respond to other procedures such as scaling and root planing, osseous surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and prevent the future build-up of plaque and bacteria.
Sometimes called gum pocket surgery or gingivectomy, osseous surgery involves smoothing and reshaping the affected bone and reducing the gum pocket, making it difficult for bacteria to survive. It will eliminate the existing bacteria and infection, stop the decay process, and prevent any further damage.
Osseous surgery serves to protect the bone structure surrounding the teeth by removing bacteria and infection that can impact bone health if left untreated. If you have advanced periodontal disease it can also affect the appearance of your teeth. Repairing damaged gums will support healthy teeth and enable you to successfully address cosmetic concerns with a stable and lasting result.
Osseous Surgery in Plano, Texas
Osseous surgery is a fairly simple procedure that Dr. Dean will perform in the comfort of our Plano, TX periodontist office. We make every effort to ensure that you are educated on all aspects of the procedure and what to expect during and after.
Dr. Dean will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once you are comfortable, he will gently release the affected gum tissue from the teeth to access and clean the tooth roots. If bone grafting is needed to support compromised bone tissue this will be performed during the procedure.
Once complete, the repaired gum tissue will be sutured back and covered with a periodontal dressing consisting of gauze to keep debris out and support a healthy recovery.
After Your Surgery
Immediately after your surgery, you can return to your regular daily activities. It may take a few days or a few weeks for your gums to completely heal. It is also important to know that the shape of your gums may change. While most people only report minor discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medications to help find some relief.
A soft diet is recommended for several days after your osseous surgery. You should continue with a normal oral hygiene routine. You will notice that it is actually easier for you to care for your teeth now. For further instruction, Dr. Dean will provide personalized post-treatment instructions on a patient-by-patient basis.
While this surgical procedure will help keep gum disease from damaging your gums further, it is important to take additional steps. You must keep up with a strict daily oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you smoke or use tobacco, you should consider quitting.
This will benefit your oral and overall health. Also, it is very important to visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups.
Osseous Surgery FAQs
Do you have further questions about osseous surgery? Continue reading to learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
What should you avoid after osseous surgery?
Avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot, cold, acidic, spicy, or sour. Patients should also avoid things that might become stuck between their teeth, such as nuts, chips, and other hard foods. For at least 48 hours after surgery, refrain from using a straw, smoking, or consuming carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
How long does it take to recover from osseous surgery?
Depending on the extent of the osseous surgery performed, the overall recuperation period will be around a month. In order to prevent more damage and aid in your mouth’s healing, it often takes two weeks before you can consume anything other than soft foods.
How long does bleeding last after osseous surgery?
In the first 24-48 hours after your osseous surgical procedure, bleeding is typical. Bleeding may be reduced by biting on a gauze pad that has been applied directly to the incision for 30 minutes. This will help aid in clotting.
How painful is osseous surgery?
The procedure for osseous surgery should not be painful, as an anesthetic is used to numb the patient’s nerves. After the anesthetic wears off, patients may experience tender pain and sensitivity, however, this can be regulated by an OTC pain reliever.
Can osseous surgery cure gum disease?
Osseous surgery can significantly improve the status of your periodontal disease, however it cannot completely cure it. The goal of osseous surgery is to stop the progression of gum disease, however it will not reverse it entirely.
How do you clean your teeth after osseous surgery?
After osseous surgery, it is important to avoid brushing the area while it heals. Patients may rinse the area to clean it. We recommend avoiding chewing around the area so that there is little chance of it gathering plaque and bacteria.