Flap Surgery Protects and Keeps Gums Healthy

A visit to the dentist can be a hassle, many fear the diagnosis they will be given or its treatment options. However, this shouldn't be the case, remember dentists are responsible people, who want to help you take care of your teeth, protect your gums and have a healthy smile.

In a recent post we learn the importance of having healthy gums; Gum Disease, is an oral infection that can affect us all. The infection can be anything from a simple gum inflammation to a serious infection. To treat gum infections, dentists have developed several treatment options; when the disease is in its early stages, your dentist might recommend: Scaling and Root Planing. However, when gum disease continuously affect the gums and is not stopped during the Deep Cleaning process; your periodontist might recommend Flap Surgery.

Dental Treatment: Flap Surgery

When gum disease is severe, your dentist might recommend an oral surgery to treat the infected area; the surgery is, Flap Surgery.

This surgical procedure is to be performed by a gum specialist (periodontist); before the surgery begins, he/she will apply local anesthetic, numbing the area where the doctor will work on and its surroundings.

Afterwards your periodontist will use a scalpel to separate the gums from the teeth. This technique will give the periodontist direct access to the roots and bone structures that are infected with plaque or tartar. The periodontist will evaluate and examine the inflamed tissue; this damage tissue will then be removed.

If during the surgical procedure your periodontist detects bone defects; he will smoothen the edges of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to regrow and infected your gums. This procedure is called osseous recontouring.

Once the infected area has been cleaned and the periodontist determines that your gums are plaque-free, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and stitched in place. Depending on the dental clinic, one of two types of stiches could be used:

• Stitches that dissolve on their own
• Stitches that have to be removed 7 ~ 10 days later

In addition, after the surgery the periodontist will also advice you the medication you must take, it is important that you follow his instructions to avoid any side effects.

What to Expect and Affects after Surgery

After the oral surgery has been performed, it normally takes only a few days to recover from. Some of the risk involved with this oral procedure is bleeding and swelling.

As mention it is important that you follow the instructions offer to you, by the dentist. In Sani Dental Group case, our periodontist will offer you the following suggestions:

• Change gauze pads
• Do not do any strenuous physical activity (this reduces bleeding)
• Do not lie flat
• Eat soft foods during the healing process
• If you smoke – stop or reduce the amount of cigarettes consume.
• In the present of pain or swelling (use ice or a cold pack to relieve pain)
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (this reduces swelling and relieves pain)
• Take the prescribed painkillers
• When brushing your teeth, do it in a gently to avoid bleeding

After the surgery, your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold for a few weeks. If you feel mild to moderate discomfort, your periodontist will prescribe medicine to control the pain.

While the surgical site is healing, it is important that you keep your mouth as clean as possible; if not keep properly clean you may once again develop gum disease.

We invite you to visit the city of Los Algodones; here our professional dentist will assist you and remove any diseases affecting your gums and oral cavity.

The steps and procedures mentioned in this post are procedures available in the medical field; however, not all these treatments and procedures are perform at Sani Dental Group. To confirm if this procedure is perform at our dental clinics, please contact us directly.

Visit our dental clinic and allow us to help you prevent gum disease and protect your smile. Flap surgery is just one of the many oral treatments Sani Dental Group offers, avoid oral diseases and save your teeth, your gums and your smile.