Osseous Surgery In Philadelphia
Osseous surgery is a procedure that allows Dr. Laudenbach access to see the root surface and allows elimination of any remaining infection in your mouth. The procedure also allows contouring of the hard and soft tissue so that your mouth remains healthy and does not become re-infected.
Fortunately with the use of the Fotona Lightwalker Laser system, our office is able to provide a minimally invasive approach to this therapy usually without the use of scalpels or sutures!
Goals of Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is recommended to reduce or eliminate the periodontal pockets that cause periodontal disease. Despite the word “surgery” the procedure is reported to feel more like a thorough cleaning. The specific goals of surgery include:
- Reducing Bacterial Spread:
Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body and cause other life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Removing deep tartar and thereby bacteria can help reduce the risk of bacteria spreading. - Preventing Bone Loss:
The immune system’s inflammatory response prompted by periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw region, and cause teeth to fall out. Osseous surgery seeks to stop periodontal disease before it progresses to this level. - Enhancing the Smile:
Mouths plagued with periodontal disease are often unsightly. Brown gums, rotting teeth, and ridge indentations can leave a person feeling depressed and too self-conscious to smile. Fortunately, osseous surgery can help reduce bacteria and disease and thereby restore your mouth to its former radiance, while restoring confidence at the same time. - Facilitating Home Care:
As the gum pocket deepens, it can become nearly impossible to brush and floss adequately. Osseous surgery reduces pocket size, making it easier to brush and floss, and thereby prevent further periodontal disease.
What does the procedure entail?
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area prior to surgery. First, Dr. Laudenbach will retract the gum tissue to allow access to the supporting bone and roots of the teeth. After the roots have been thoroughly cleaned through scaling, specialized instruments will be used to reshape the bone around the teeth. Bone is recontoured in some areas to restore the normal rise and fall of the bone. Sometimes bone or other regenerative materials are beneficial to fill in bone defects to optimize your healing response.
Next, the gum tissue is moved back into place and stabilized with sutures. The site may also be covered with a protective packing material or surgical glue to protect the area. Medications to minimize discomfort and swelling will be prescribed. We will also recommend a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine following the surgery.
A small amount of bleeding and swelling may occur after the surgery and may be controlled easily by placing an ice pack on the outside of the affected area. In rare cases where the bleeding and swelling seems more excessive, it is advised that you call to notify our office. Several follow up visits may be necessary and you must fulfill a meticulous maintenance program especially during the initial phases of healing to optimize your healing result.
Transform Your Oral Health with Periodontics in Philadelphia
Experience exceptional periodontal care at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants in Philadelphia. Take proactive steps to treat gum disease, preserve your teeth's supporting structures, and maintain a healthy smile.