One of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting Americans today is gum disease. It starts with red and bleeding gums, but over time, it can lead to loose teeth and destroyed jawbone. It is vital to address this problem immediately, which is why you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Curry Leavitt at Red Rock Periodontics & Implantology to see if osseous surgery would work for you.
What Does the Surgery Entail?
Through osseous surgery, our periodontist can recontour and remove damaged bone located around the affected tooth. The goal is to get rid of bacteria and limit the size of periodontal pockets. It can also smooth out the damaged jawbone so that the gum tissue can later reattach to the stronger bone.
This surgery does involve local anesthesia. After receiving that, our periodontist will create a small incision into the gums so that they can be moved back. This allows him to look at the tooth’s root and surrounding bone tissue.
Our periodontist will then scrape away deposits located on the surface of the root and recontour or trim away any jagged bone left behind. Depending on how much bone has already been lost, we may need to perform a guided tissue regeneration or bone graft before putting the gum tissue back into place. The length of the surgery depends on how many teeth we need to treat, but you will receive an estimate before we begin.
What Happens After Surgery?
After surgery, you will receive post-op instructions, which may include applying ice to the area to limit swelling. You will also need to change out gauze pads for the bleeding that typically follows. While every surgery is different, most people find they can go back to their regular diet within two days.
What Should You Do Next?
Osseous surgery can help immensely with gum disease. Our periodontist in Las Vegas, NV has helped numerous patients. Click here to schedule a consultation.
