Find out how this procedure could improve more advanced cases of gum disease.
Just because gum disease is common doesn’t mean it’s any less of an issue for your oral health. If you’ve been remiss in seeing your Rochester Hills dentist Dr. Joseph Matievich then maybe you’re even shocked to find out that you have gum disease. For those with more severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, flap surgery could be the answer.
What is the purpose of flap surgery?
This procedure is often recommended if a patient has a serious form of periodontal disease that antibiotics or scaling and root planing hasn’t been able to successfully treat. Flap surgery is designed to clean the roots of a tooth, as well as repair any bone damage.
How is flap surgery performed?
Your Rochester Hills gum specialist will perform this procedure right here in our office. After applying a local anesthesia to numb the area, we will pull back parts of the gums so we can properly clean the roots of your teeth. If bones also need to be treated we may smooth them out or reshape them to reduce plaque buildup. Those with bone damage may also need a bone graft to help rebuild the jawbone.
Once the roots have been cleaned and the bones have been repaired we will stitch the gums back up.
What should I expect after flap surgery?
Most patients require a couple days to recover after their procedure. We will give you care instructions before you leave our office. Of course, questions can arise so don’t hesitate to call our office at any time. Here are some simple tips to follow while recovering:
- Use over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers
- Rinse your mouth out with salt water multiple times a day to reduce both swelling and pain (about one day after surgery you can begin doing this)
- Rest as much as possible and don’t participate in strenuous activities
- Eat a soft-foods diet and then start to gradually introduce harder foods into the mix
- Use a covered ice pack on your face to reduce oral swelling and pain
Gum disease doesn’t have to ruin your smile. Here at Family Smiles Dental Care we offer all the latest dental technologies and techniques to keep your mouth healthy. Come into our Rochester Hills, MI dental office and leave with a clean, sparkling smile every time.