Flap Surgery

Deep teeth cleaning is a non-surgical yet effective treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. It treats gum disease by scaling unwanted bacteria and tartar deposits from your teeth surface all the way to the roots. Periodontal flap surgery is ideal when the pockets between teeth and gums are too deep to clean. Left untreated, these periodontal pockets attract more unwanted bacteria, which damage the periodontal ligaments and teeth-supporting bone. Uncontrolled periodontal disease causes tooth loss and systematic issues.

Anyone not responding to scaling and root planing is an ideal candidate for gum flap surgery. The primary objective of this surgery is to remove or reduce periodontal pockets. After your consultation, the dentist will make a flap-like incision on your gums to access the pockets. The dentist administers this procedure after administering local anesthetics for a painless experience.

Traditionally, dentists use scalpels to incise gums. However, they can also use a laser to create a flap. Laser-assisted gum flap surgery is preferred because it is pinpoint, precise, and minimally bleeding, as it cauterizes tissues.

After creating a flap, the dentist can access the deep pockets for a thorough cleaning. The flap also allows the dentist to remodel the underlying bone if it’s been damaged by periodontal disease. After removing the unwanted deposits, the dentist sutures the flap to kick-start healing.

Like any surgery, periodontal flap surgery involves mild swelling, bleeding, and pain. To speed healing and prevent infections, we prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain medications.

Besides medications, your dentist will give you the following instructions for a smooth recovery.

• Clear off your calendar for a few days. Rest adequately and avoid strenuous activities to allow the body to heal.
• Keep the gauze pad until the bleeding stops.
• Always keep your head elevated with a soft pillow.
• Use a cold compress to manage pain and swelling.
• Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, hard, and spicy foods, too.
• Keep off tobacco products.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent infections.
• Avoid spitting or using a straw, which can dislodge your blood clots.

Swelling and other symptoms should go away after a week, although these discomforts will disappear sooner for laser-assisted surgery. Once your gums heal, they will look healthy and pink and won’t bleed when brushing or flossing teeth. The periodontal pockets will disappear, and the gums will attach snugly to your teeth.

Are you interested in gum flap surgery in Sarasota, Florida? Call (941) 371-2022 to schedule an appointment with Vital Dental. We can’t wait to help you achieve healthy gums!