Periodontal flap surgery is the treatment procedure to clear the deposits around roots of teeth and to remove necrotic tissue lining of the pocket that prevents healing of gums and periodontium.
Flap surgery is recommended in cases where the pocket depth around teeth has reached a level that makes cleansing difficult. It is usually associated with areas of bone loss that needs to be surgically corrected.
What is the procedure of flap surgery?
Flap surgery is done under local anesthesia. Prior to the procedure, full mouth radiographs (X-Rays) called OPGs are advised to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.
After administration of local anesthesia, small incisions are made in the gum, so that it can be lifted back to expose the tooth and bone. The entire area is thoroughly cleaned, all tartar and infected granulation tissue is removed and the bone is examined.
Due to the periodontal disease, bone could be diseased and often needs to be re contoured for the gum to heal properly.
Then the diseased tissue lining of gum is removed and the surface of damaged bone is smoothed out.
Based on the amount and type of bone loss, bone grafting is accomplished. There are a variety of bone graft materials both natural and synthetic and are chosen based on the case.
At the end of the surgery, the gum is sutured (sewed) back to its place.
Finally a gum pack or a periodontal pack is placed over the stitches to avoid trauma or disturbance to the surgical site.
How many visits are needed for flap surgery?
Flap surgery is usually done in an outpatient setting.
Mouth is divided into four quadrants and in each visit, surgery is accomplished in either one quadrant or two quadrants that is, half of the mouth, based on the complexity of the case and patient comfort. So on an average flap surgery is usually completed in 2-4 appointments.
What are the post-operative instructions following flap surgery?
Mouth is divided into four quadrants and in each visit flap surgery is accomplished in either one quadrant or two quadrants that is half of the mouth based on the complexity of the case and patient comfort.
Medicines are advised to relieve post operative pain and swelling. They should be consumed as per the doctor's instructions.
Cold packs may be beneficial to avoid swelling.
Small amounts of soft food should be consumed.
Fluid intake should be increased.
Smoking should be avoided as it will disturb the healing procedure.
Should visit the dentist after a week for a follow-up.
