Flap Surgery

Unveiling a Healthier Smile with Flap Surgery for Periodontal Disease

If you’re experiencing periodontal disease, our expert team may suggest flap surgery to address issues with your gum and bone tissue. In this detailed dental education guide, we’ll cover flap surgery, outlining how it can help you take charge of your oral health and avoid the necessity of tooth extraction.

Got questions regarding flap surgery and how it can help you improve your oral health? Get in touch with Reagin Family Dentistry.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Imagine your bone and gum tissue as a snug turtleneck embracing your teeth. Ideally, they should provide vital support to your dental structure. However, when periodontal disease strikes, this supporting tissue and bone deteriorate, leading to troublesome “pockets” around your teeth. Over time, these pockets deepen, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

As bacteria accumulate in these pockets, they begin to cause additional loss of bone and tissue. If left unchecked, severe cases may even require tooth extraction. This is where flap surgery emerges as a powerful solution to combat periodontal issues and preserve your radiant smile.

What is Flap Surgery?

Flap surgery is a common and effective procedure for addressing deep pockets caused by tartar deposits or advanced periodontal disease. The main goal is to eliminate tartar, reduce pocket depth, and make cleaning easier for you or your dental professional. This transformative surgery delicately involves lifting back the gums, removing the tartar, and then suturing the gums back in place to ensure a snug fit around the tooth.

When is Flap Surgery Recommended?

When daily at-home oral hygiene and routine professional care cannot access the deep pockets caused by periodontal disease, a pocket reduction procedure like flap surgery becomes essential. This proactive approach aids in preventing further deterioration of bone and tissue, thereby preserving your natural teeth.

The Flap Surgery Process

At Reagin Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to your well-being, ensuring precision and care at every stage of this transformative procedure. Join us as we explore the intricate details of the flap surgery process, where expertise and innovation converge to enhance your oral health.

Here's what to expect during flap surgery:

Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure begins, our skilled dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth and gums, ensuring you feel comfortable during the surgery.
Incisions: Once the area is numb, small incisions are made in the gum tissue near your affected teeth. This creates a "flap" that can be folded back to expose the underlying bone and tartar.
Tartar Removal: Next, our dentist will use special tools to carefully remove the tartar and bacteria from around your teeth and in the deep pockets. This is a crucial step in preventing further damage to your dental structure.
Pocket Reduction: Once the tartar has been removed, our dentist will smooth out any rough areas on the bone and reshape it to reduce pocket depth.
Flap Repositioning: The gum tissue flap is then repositioned and sutured back into place, creating a snug fit around your teeth.
Recovery: After the procedure, you may experience some minor discomfort or swelling, but this can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Our team will also provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Is Flap Surgery Right for You?

Considering flap surgery? Our experienced dental professionals at Reagin Family Dentistry will assess your unique situation to determine the suitability of flap surgery for your needs. If deep pockets, tartar deposits, or irregular bone surfaces are compromising your oral health, flap surgery could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Contact Reagin Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards achieving a healthier, happier smile.