Posted on August 22, 2024
If severe gum disease (periodontitis) has been causing serious and persistent challenges to your everyday life and overall health, antibiotics, root planing, and scaling may not be a sufficient solution, as your bones, tissue, and nearby structures become more affected by gum disease. Periodontal flap surgery is often recommended for patients who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing. It is most suitable for individuals experiencing advanced periodontitis, where the gum tissue has pulled away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that are difficult to clean with conventional methods. These pockets can attract and retain bacteria, leading to further infection and increased bone loss.
To avoid infections and preserve your teeth, gum disease should be assessed and treated by an experienced periodontist in your area. One of the leading solutions for stubborn and persistent gum disease is periodontal flap surgery. For those who qualify, the treatment can drastically change everyday life. To learn more, book a consultation with a trusted periodontist in Oshawa,
Dr. Adam Ohayon, at The Perio Centre.
Here's some insight on who would be considered a fit for periodontal surgery. To find out for sure whether you're a fit, book a consultation at The Perio Center.
Signs You Need Periodontal Flap Surgery
- Deep Gum Pockets: If the pockets around your teeth are deeper than 5 mm, you may be a candidate for flap surgery. These deep pockets are difficult to keep clean, even with professional care. They can lead to further deterioration of the gums and bone by leaving space for plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
- Persistent Inflammation: If your gums remain red, swollen, and bleed easily despite good oral hygiene and professional cleanings, it may be a sign that the disease has progressed beyond what non-surgical treatments can address.
- Bone Loss: If X-rays show significant bone loss around your teeth, flap surgery may be necessary to access and clean the roots and bones, helping to stop further bone deterioration.
- Receding Gums: When gums recede, they expose more of the tooth and its root, making them more susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and tooth loss. During flap surgery, your periodontist in Oshawa can help reposition the gum tissue and cover exposed areas.
- Loose Teeth: Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen due to the destruction of the supporting bone. If your teeth feel loose or unstable, flap surgery might be a solution to help stabilize them. If you've already had tooth loss, contact Dr. Adam Ohayon to set up a consultation at The Perio Centre to discuss dental implants.
Who is a Fit for Periodontal Surgery
The right candidate for periodontal flap surgery will depend on a number of factors and is ultimately up to the discretion of your periodontist. While there are factors that improve the results of the procedure, there are many cases where you and The Perio Centre team can work out a plan to improve your eligibility so you can reap the benefits.
Factors your periodontist may consider include:
- Age: As we age, the risk of developing advanced gum disease increases due to plaque buildup that happens over time and changes in hormone levels. Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. Older adults in good general health can also benefit significantly from this procedure.
- Health: Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can affect healing from periodontal flap surgery. However, in many cases, careful management and diligent check-ins with your periodontist can allow some patients with these medical conditions to proceed successfully.
- Lifestyle: Periodontal treatments are ideally met with a strong commitment to oral care post-procedure to protect and preserve the results. Together, excellent oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and good stress management support successful outcomes and recovery from periodontal flap surgery. It also helps to reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking and vaping as well for optimal results.
Invest in the Future of Your Gums with The Perio Centre
At The Perio Centre, we have years of experience helping patients with gum disease restore their smile and enhance the quality of their lives with treatments like dental implants, gum regeneration, and periodontal flap surgery. To learn more about your treatment options and the viability of periodontal flap surgery for you, book a consultation at The Perio Centre with Dr. Adam Ohayon, a leading periodontist in Oshawa.