Osseous Surgery: Why Do I Need It?

If your dentist has recommended you for osseous surgery, you may have been left with a few questions, such as what it is, what you can expect, and why you need it. While the word ‘surgery’ may be enough to furrow your brow, not to worry. This procedure is completely safe and designed to promote your healthiest smile. Here’s some information that will help you better understand your recommended treatment.

What Is Osseous Surgery?

Osseous surgery is recommended when nonsurgical treatment, such as scaling and root planing (otherwise known as a deep cleaning), falls short in preventing the loss of bone around the teeth. When the amount of bone around the teeth becomes so scarce that a deep cleaning would not help prevent the progression of the bone loss, osseous surgery becomes necessary. During the procedure, the infected gum tissue and bone are shaved or trimmed away to eliminate areas in the mouth that support the growth of bacteria. Bone grafting is done in order to encourage the regeneration of bone. In some special cases, when the bone is able to be regenerated and restored, the dentist will then place dental implants, which are fantastic for both preserving bone and replacing natural teeth.

 Why Have I Been Recommended For This Treatment?

Osseous surgery is an intensive treatment method for advanced stages of periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease. If you have been recommended for osseous surgery, your periodontitis has progressed past the point of being able to be successfully treated with non-surgical treatment, such as scaling and root planing. At this point in the progression of bone loss in the mouth, your dentist feels that osseous surgery is the best way to halt the bone loss, clean the area around the affected teeth, and return your mouth to a healthy state.

What To Expect During Treatment

When you arrive in the office for your osseous surgery treatment, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia. Once you are numb, the dentist will make an incision in the gumline and lift the gum to gain access to the bone. The surface of the tooth and surrounding bone is smoothed and cleaned. In the case where bone grafting is possible, it will then be placed in order to ensure that the bone is as built up as possible, as well as to encourage bone regeneration. The gum is then put back in place and stitched up. Most dentists use self-dissolving stitches, but in the case that your dentist places regular stitches, you will return to have them removed within ten days or so. Your dentist will continue to monitor your condition, and will most likely have you return in about a month to ensure that the healing process went as planned.

Moving forward with the information that you learned here, you will be able to better understand why you have been recommended for osseous surgery, what you can expect during your treatment, and how it will benefit you in the long run. Speak with your trusted dental professional At Willow Glen Dental Specialists (WGDS) to discuss your personal treatment options and prognosis.