Osseous surgery is a highly gentle dental procedure performed in an attempt to reverse serious gum disease (periodontitis) by re-establishing and re-contouring bone supporting the teeth. Scaling and root planing treatment will not work if infection cannot be stopped; osseous surgery will then be unavoidable in an attempt to salvage teeth and bone loss. In this article here, we are providing you the overview of osseous surgery, procedure, pros, and cons so that you can take an informed decision for your oral health.
What is Osseous Surgery?
During osseous surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, the periodontist eliminates rotting bone, infected gum, and gum disease bacteria. In surgery, a periodontist reshapes and smoothes out roughened bone surfaces in an attempt to remove deep periodontal pockets that provide protection to bacteria. Since regular performed deep cleaning treatments are an interim solution for patients of chronic periodontitis, osseous surgery is a permanent solution.
This is normally prescribed once the gum disease is advanced to the extent that teeth stability is already lost and will lead to tooth loss if not treated.
Why Is Osseous Surgery Necessary?
Dentists must perform osseous surgery in advanced periodontitis cases or when subsequent periodontal infections, caused by plaque buildup, damage the supporting bone of the teeth. These are some of the conditions under which this must be done.
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Advanced Stages of Gum Disease:
Advanced stages of gum disease form deep pockets around and on the teeth and gums and provide a hiding place for bacteria and welcome more infection.
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Non-Surgical Treatment Failure:
When non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing fail to prevent periodontitis, dentists must perform osseous surgery.
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Tooth Loss Prevention:
Osseous surgery, through bone shaping and reduction, gives teeth life and stability.
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Better Overall Oral Condition:
Pathosis and bacteria result in tissue loss that can potentially lead to inflammation and complication prevention, i.e., loss of bone and infection in the body.
Step-by-Step Osseous Surgery Process
Informing the patient about the process involved will prevent osseous surgery fear. Step-by-step guide on what to do is as follows:
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Preparations Before Surgery:
Before surgery, the periodontist will examine your oral status, including an X-ray scan and checkup of bone loss in your mouth. The periodontist will then ask you to:
- Not eat any type of food and fluids prior to surgery (if sedation is anticipated).
- Refrain from taking some of the blood-clotting-impacted medications.
- Keep your oral cavity clean to minimize bacteria.
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Operation Procedure:
The process is carried out typically by the following method:
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Local Anesthesia:
For the therapy’s convenience, the dentist administers local anesthetic to numb the region.
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Incision and Flap Elevation:
The periodontist makes very minute incisions and folds the gums to access the bone beneath.
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Removal of Diseased Tissue and Bacteria:
The dentist carefully removes the infected gum tissue and performs debridement.
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Smoothing and Reshaping of the Bone:
Smoothing of rough or fractured bone ends to avoid bacterial activity.
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Suturing and Repositioning of the Gum:
Sutured repositioned gums for healing.
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Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Surgical healing requires aftercare:
- Take painkillers and antibiotics as instructed.
- Be on soft, bland diet for a few days.
- Utilize mild oral hygienic practices with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Follow-up post-op and suture removal in the periodist.
Osseous Surgery Advantages
Osseous surgery has several benefits, hence why it is an effective procedure for combating periodontitis.
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Future Breakage Prevention:
Infected tissue and bone re-contouring debridement will help to prevent future breakage.
Low pocket depth is easy to clean and is clean, eliminating inflammation and infection.
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Improved Tooth Stability:
Firm bone support against decay, looseness, and potentially, tooth loss.
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Convenience of Oral Maintenance:
Close gum pockets are easy to brush and floss daily.
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Cosmetic Improvement:
Others desire more gum contour, for an even healthier, brighter smile.
Risk and Possible Complications
Osseous surgery is a standard procedure, but complications and risks might be:
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Discomfort and Pain:
A few patients may experience minimal to moderate discomfort after the procedure, but pain medication can control it.
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Swelling and Bleeding:
Swelling and bleeding will be normal but typically resolve within a few days.
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Risk of Infection:
Oral hygiene and antibiotics eliminate the risk of infection.
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Gum Recession and Teeth Sensitivity:
Some do, some teeth are sensitive.
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Failure to Achieve Desired Outcomes:
Failure in oral hygiene, periodontal disease will be irreversible and needs extensive treatment.
Recovery and Healing Time
Osseous surgery healing is dependent on health and post-operative.
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24-48 Hours:
Expect stinging and inflammation; avoid solid foods and continue with soft oral hygiene.
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First Week:
Sutures are firm; healing process starts. Brush coarsely or do not chew in surgical area.
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Weeks 2-4:
Pain ceases and sutures are dissolved by periodontist. Begins regular oral hygiene habits gradually.
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Full Recovery:
Whole healing is 4-6 weeks with continuing gum health increase in the long term.
Alternatives to Osseous Surgery
Less intrusive alternatives are found for those who do not have to undergo it:
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Deep cleaning of mild periodontal disease.
- Laser Gum Surgery: Kills off the infected tissue with minimal blood loss by laser technology.
- Bone Grafting: Better for bone loss condition, triggers lost bone to grow anew.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: A stimulation of the bone and tissue in order for the growth of new bone and tissue.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost of Osseous surgery varies depending on location, prevalence of gum disease, and insurance.
- Average Cost:$1,000 – $3,000 per quadrant.
- Insurance coverage:Is normally paid for by most dental insurance based on the level of severity.
- Additional dental charges:Medication, follow-up visit, and potential bone transplant surgery could be additional costs.
Conclusion
Osseous surgery is a great treatment for periodontal infection, gum health, and tooth maintenance. With allowances for disadvantages on procedure complications excluded, there’s more good than bad in the majority of patients. You are a victim, take a tour to a periodontist and get early intervention and personalized therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is Osseous Surgery Painful?
No, because surgery is done painlessly through local anesthesia. Post-surgical pain can be endured by medication.
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How long will the treatment process take?
Treatment 1-2 hours depending on gum disease severity.
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Do I consume regular food after osseous surgery?
Soft foods for a few days. Do not eat hard, crunchy, or spicy food.
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Will my gums regrow after my treatment?
Gums will not regrow but healthy tissue formation with proper oral care.
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How Do I Prevent the Requirement for Osseous Surgery?
Daily brushing of teeth, dental checkups, and losing weight avoid gum disease.