Your teeth are in jeopardy when extensive gum disease (periodontitis) develops: The ligaments and bone tissue that surround them are being destroyed at this stage, and you may even start losing teeth! If non-surgical procedures like polishing and scaling aren't enough to control the disease, periodontal flap surgery may be your best option.
Flap surgery is the most commonly used method for treating and repairing periodontal pockets today. What exactly are these "pockets?" They are areas beneath the gum line where gum tissue has separated from the teeth, creating an uncleanable space in which harmful bacteria can thrive. These bacteria cause tissue inflammation, resulting in sensitivity, bleeding, and pain. If left unchecked, they can lead to a variety of issues, including gum disease, loss of tooth-supporting bone structure, and even whole-body problems.
When periodontal pockets form, the first step is usually cleaning and scaling (also known as root debridement) with a manual or ultrasonic instrument. If this does not work, periodontal surgery is considered. Flap surgery isn't a cure for periodontal disease, but it does help to create an environment that makes maintaining your periodontal health easier. Even if you are prone to gum disease, professional treatment and regular home care can help keep your teeth as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
One of the primary goals of flap surgery is to reduce or eliminate the pocket as a whole. A flap-like incision is made in the gum tissue to gain access to it. This allows diseased tissue to be separated from within the pocket and allows access to the underlying surfaces of the teeth for thorough cleaning, which aids in the removal of harmful plaque and calculus (tartar). Following that, the "flap" is closed, effectively sealing the area. This starts the healing process, which happens quickly.
Secondary objective is to regenerate periodontal ligament and bone tissue that may have been lost as a result of the disease. A variety of techniques, including high-tech bone grafting and growth factor chemicals, may be used to accomplish this. These methods aid in the restoration of the gums to their normal form and function, as well as the healthy and secure anchoring of teeth.
Flap procedure is generally performed under local anaesthesia, which may be supplemented with oral anti-anxiety medications; however, it may also be performed under intravenous conscious sedation. Following the administration of anaesthesia, an incision is made to separate the gums from the teeth. The outer gum tissue is gently retracted to allow access to the roots as well as the assisting ligament and bone tissue.
The inflamed gum tissue is then separated, and the tooth roots are kept clean; the area may also be treated with antibiotics or other medications if necessary. Grafting material can be used to repair bone defects, and physical (barrier membranes) and chemical (growth factors) methods can be used to promote proper restoration of the periodontal ligament. The incision is finally closed, and the procedure is finished.
At Sahas Dental Care, flap surgeries are performed by an experienced hand and has an excellent track record. It is frequently the treatment of choice for treating periodontal disease and assisting in the maintenance of your oral health — and the preservation of your teeth.