Flap Surgery
What Is Flap Surgery?
Gingival flap surgery is a type of gum procedure. In this procedure the gums are separated from the teeth and folded back temporarily. This allows a dentist to reach the root of the tooth and the bone.
What It's Used For?
Gingival flap surgery is used to treat gum diseases. It may be recommended for people with moderate or advanced periodontitis. Usually, a treatment that doesn't involve surgery is done first. This is called scaling and root planing. If this treatment does not eliminate the gum infection, gingival flap surgery may be used.
How It's Done?
First you will get a shot to numb the area. Then the periodontist will use a scalpel to separate the gums from the teeth. They will be lifted or folded back in the form of a flap. This gives the periodontist direct access to the roots and bone supporting the teeth.
Inflamed tissue will be removed from between the teeth and from any holes (defects) in the bone. The periodontist then will do a procedure called scaling and root planing to clean plaque and tartar. If you have bone defects, your periodontist may eliminate them. This procedure is called osseous recontouring. It smoothes the edges of the bone using files or rotating burs.
Finally, the gums will be placed back against the teeth and stitched in place. Periodontist also may cover the surgical site with a bandage. This is called a periodontal pack or dressing.