Why is a Periodontal Flap Surgery Necessary?

Why is a Periodontal Flap Surgery Necessary?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately half of American adults have some degree of gum disease. gum diseaseThis statistic really disturbs our Lawrenceville, NJ periodontists, Dr. John Lu and Dr. Raul Figueroa. They teach their patients that periodontal disease is preventable, and if it progresses, it is treatable. Learn here about periodontal flap surgery, how it works and why it is sometimes needed to bring smiles back to full health.

The signs of gum disease

Unfortunately, when gum disease begins, many people are unaware that they have it. However, as mild gingivitis progresses to more advanced periodontitis, the effects on oral and systemic health become clearer.

Upon visual inspection, your dentist will notice:

  • Red, swollen, bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gaps between teeth
  • A change in the fit of a denture or bridgework
  • Pockets between gums and tooth surfaces (deeper than three millimeters is diagnostic for gum disease)
  • Pus at the gum line
  • Tooth mobility
  • Exposed roots

Left unchecked, periodontitis destroys the gums, connective tissue (the periodontal ligament) and underlying bone. However, with treatment, gum disease and its harmful effects can be controlled.

Treatments for gum disease

The most common treatment your periodontist in Lawrenceville uses is tooth scaling and root planing. This in-office manual procedure scrapes away the sticky plaque and hard tartar that have accumulated at and below the gum line. Some patients have so much build-up they require cleaning in quadrants--one section at a time--and use of local anesthetic to numb the areas. After scaling and root planing are complete, the dentist instills antibiotic medication to health the infection.

For many patients, this thorough cleaning and frequent maintenance at Lawrenceville Dental Implant Center and Periodontics helps gums to reattach to root surfaces and to heal. Of course, brushing and flossing at home is the mainstay of healthy gum tissue.

Periodontal flap surgery

Dr. Lu and Dr. Figueroa have found that some patients with serious gum issues benefit from an in-office procedure called periodontal flap surgery. During this treatment, the periodontist incises the gums to expose the roots of teeth with very deep pockets. These pockets are filled with bacteria and debris but can be cleaned and disinfected so they heal.

To accomplish this procedure, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the areas and then creates a flap in the gums. This opens the area so he can remove the tartar and instill antibiotic medication.

Also, Dr. Lu or Dr. Figueroa may add Platelet-derived Growth Factors to the site. This liquid medication helps the periodontal ligament and gum tissue to regrow so that the tooth is more properly anchored. After he instills the growth factors, he sutures the area closed.

This amazing surgery produces excellent results in most patients. Additionally, it helps the operated areas look better as gum tissue regrows.

Are you concerned about your gums?

You can trust the expertise and compassionate care at Lawrenceville Dental Implant Center and Periodontics in Lawrenceville, NJ. Please contact the office team for an appointment: (609) 896-0700.

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