Traditional Treatment of Periodontitis

For many years, the only option to treat extreme cases of periodontitis was a procedure known as gum flap, or gingival flap, surgery. Because untreated periodontitis ultimately leads to tooth and bone loss in the affected areas, it is important to get control over the harmful bacteria before the situation develops to the point of lost teeth.

Gingival Flap Surgery

Gingival flap surgery involves making vertical incisions on either side of the affected area, folding back the gum tissue, and cleaning the gums, teeth, and bone. With full access to the site(s) of the periodontitis, we can ensure all bacteria is removed. We can clean out the pockets of decay that form as part of periodontitis. We can also check the bone for signs of defect and re-contour them if needed. Once the affected area has been cleaned, bacteria removed, and bone irregularities smoothed out, the flap is replaced, and sutures hold it in place during the healing process.

It is important to note that this surgery removes existing disease, but the bacteria will return without proper ongoing care. Good at-home oral hygiene and regular in-office exams and cleanings will prevent the periodontitis from coming back.

Post-Operative Care

With traditional gum flap surgery, patients may receive a prescription for pain relief. Most people report being able to manage their pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. Depending on the specifics of the surgery, patients may have a special, medicated pack placed over the surgical site. If so, care must be taken to not disturb it. If there is no surgical pack, patients can gently brush their teeth like normal. Ice packs can help with any facial swelling. Generally, patients will need to be reexamined within 10 days to make sure everything is healing properly.

Risk Factors

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risk factors to consider. Immediately following the procedure, patients should watch for signs of infection at the surgical site. Also, while minor bleeding is natural, patients must report if this continues beyond the first two days post-op. Patients who usually take blood thinners will need to stop taking these prior to surgery and may be more closely monitored in the first several days following the procedure. Likewise, smokers are advised to abstain during the healing period, since smoking negatively impacts the body’s ability to recover. Long-term risk factors include gum recession, teeth sensitivity, and the potential to develop cavities in the roots.

Limitations

Gingival flap surgery can effectively remove the decay, but it cannot address lost bone or receding gums. In certain cases, patients may be able to regenerate bone growth through a bone graft, and some patients can benefit from having tissue from the roof of the mouth grafted into areas of the gumline where gum tissue has pulled back. But these are procedures in addition to the gingival flap surgery, and they carry their own limitations and drawbacks.

A Better Way

Anyone who has been through this procedure will tell you it is invasive and uncomfortable. Though providers do what they can to minimize discomfort, this is a surgical procedure in which your gum tissue must be separated from your bone, cleaned, and put back. That is not a simple matter. This is why we are so thrilled to be able to offer the next generation of periodontal technology, LANAP® Laser Treatment, at Dassani Dental. LANAP®’s use of highly specialized lasers eliminates the need for invasive gingival flap surgery. Instead, the lasers painlessly cut away the disease without incisions, working instead right around the tooth itself. Recovery time is faster and easier. And with LANAP® therapy, bone that was lost can be regrown. For more on this incredible technology and what it can do for you, click here (link to main LANAP page).